Malaysia’s communications regulator said on Thursday it has issued a statutory demand to social media platform TikTok alleging it had failed to take sufficient and timely action in moderating what it called offensive and defamatory content on the country’s monarchy.
The action arose from the alleged circulation of content associated with an account purporting to be linked to Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said in a statement.
It added that the material in question included “grossly offensive, false, menacing and insulting” elements, including AI-generated videos and manipulated images that may breach local laws.
AI Content and Royal Sensitivities Under Scrutiny
According to the regulator, the material falls under highly sensitive issues involving race, religion, and royalty, which it said could undermine public order, national harmony, and respect for constitutional institutions. The MCMC emphasized that it takes a “serious view” of any misuse of digital platforms to spread such content, particularly when it involves the Malaysian royal institution.
It was also noted that the rapid spread of AI-generated and deepfake-style content is making online enforcement increasingly difficult, adding pressure on platforms to respond faster and more effectively.
The regulator also said prior notifications and engagements with TikTok had not resulted in prompt removal of the offending material or effective prevention of its further spread.
Orders for Action and Wider Regulatory Push
The statutory demand requires TikTok to implement immediate remedial measures, including strengthening its content moderation systems and improving enforcement against material that violates Malaysian law. The company has also been asked to provide a formal explanation for its alleged moderation failures.
Malaysia has stepped up scrutiny of social media platforms in recent years amid rising concerns over harmful online content. The government is also preparing to introduce age verification measures for users this year, part of a broader push aligned with global efforts to limit minors’ exposure to social media risks.
(With inputs from Reuters)
