The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a statutory demand against TikTok over its alleged failure to properly moderate offensive and defamatory content, particularly posts involving the royal institution.
In a statement, MCMC said a fake TikTok account was found uploading fabricated and insulting content targeting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, including manipulated and AI-generated videos and images.
The commission said TikTok’s response to removing such content remained unsatisfactory despite multiple notices and discussions held with the platform, especially in taking down the posts quickly and preventing them from spreading further.
“As a social media platform operating in Malaysia, service providers are expected to take greater responsibility in ensuring their services are not misused for unlawful or harmful activities,” the statement said.
MCMC said the statutory demand requires TikTok to immediately improve its content moderation system and strengthen enforcement against posts that violate Malaysian laws and community guidelines.
The platform is also required to submit an official explanation regarding the moderation failures.
Yesterday, the Johor royal press office called on MCMC to take firm action against a TikTok account accused of posting fake, defamatory and insulting content involving the Agong.
The account, using the name “Sultan Ibrahim Ismail”, allegedly uploaded images of the King alongside false claims suggesting he consumed pork.
The issue surfaced less than a month after an edited image showing a pig dressed in royal attire circulated on Facebook.
The Selangor Royal Council had condemned the post, describing it as a serious insult to the royal institution that could threaten harmony among the state’s multi-racial community.
Previously, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil warned TikTok it could face legal action for repeatedly failing to address content moderation concerns on its platform.
He had referenced the case involving late TikTok influencer A Rajeswary, who was reportedly subjected to cyberbullying before her death.
