During the first three months of this year, there was a notable increase in the number of harmful content cases 51,638 that were being reported to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on social media and over-the-top platforms.
MCMC also pointed out that the figure was a significant rise from the 42,904 cases that were reported over the course of the previous year. In a joint statement with with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) stated this number is high compared to 42,904 cases recorded for the whole of 2023.In particular, it touched on 3R (race, religion, and royalty) issues. The statement asked platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and ByteDance (TikTok) to tackle such content comprehensively.
In order to successfully handle such content, TikTok and Meta were requested to submit a thorough improvement and strategy plan that made reference to both Malaysian regulations and their own principles.Furthermore, TikTok and Meta are advised to restrict non-compliant behavior (coordinated inauthentic behaviour or CIB, utilizing genuine and fake social media profiles to manipulate issues), as well as monitor and take fast action against harmful content such as scams and illicit online gambling.
According to the release, additional issues covered at the meeting, led by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, including establishing internet safety measures for children under the age of 13.
“We talked about ways to increase online safety, particularly with the authentication procedure that makes sure 13 is the minimum age to access social media.
“This is is to make sure that inappropriate material on social media doesn’t have an impact on kids.”We also revisited the efficiency of the (platforms’ respective) artificial intelligence algorithm and capabilities of learning to detect 3R content, CIB and other harmful content,” said the statement.
