MCMC says protecting users, not limiting diversity in views

The Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) says it is trying to protect internet users from an increasing amount of harmful online content.

MCMC was responding to a report saying social media platforms have seen a sharp increase in content removel requests from Malaysia authorities.

In a statement today, MCMC said due to this situation there has been an increase in takedown requests by the government which are aimed at protecting users from the increasingly harmful content online rather than intending to limit diversity in views.

“The content includes scams, illegal sales, gambling, fake news and hate speech, all of which pose threats to the social fabric and institutions in Malaysia.

“Hate speech in particular has the potential to incite violence, discrimination and harassment. It reflects the importance of enforcing laws and regulations for moderation and removal of content to protect users from harmful content,” it said in a statement.

MCMC statistics showed a drastic 24-fold increase in harmful content on social media platforms and Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms including Meta and TikTok, recording 25,642 instances this year in contrast to 1,019 in 2022.

MCMC also said it was essential for the government, regulatory bodies and OTT platforms to work together to address this issue and uphold the diversity of views to ensure the safety and well-being of all cyberspace users.

Earlier, the media reported that Meta, the owner of Facebook and TikTok China blocked a large portion of posts on social media accounts in Malaysia in the first six months of 2023, following a surge in the government’s requests for takedowns.

It was reported that Meta said it had blocked access to more than 3,500 items between July 2022 and June 2023 in response to reports lodged by the national communications regulator and other government agencies.

The blocked content included criticisms of the government and posts that allegedly violated laws related to illegal gambling, hate speech, posts that were racially and religiously divisive, of a bullying nature, and financial fraud.