KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has successfully taken down approximately 11,949 pieces of content from various social media platforms between January 1 and August 31 this year, according to Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
In a parliamentary written reply to Bersatu’s Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (Tasek Gelugor-PN), Fahmi stated that the content was removed with the assistance of social media platforms – including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube – following reports of violations of community guidelines and contraventions of the law.
He mentioned that this includes the removal of 7,026 online gambling content.
Meanwhile, 1,842 online scams were taken down, while another 1,263 pieces of content were removed for containing elements of harassment and bullying.
At the same time, another 405 pieces of content were taken down for miscellaneous reasons, such as prohibited advertisements, products, or services.
Furthermore, other reasons for content removal included fake content (722), pornographic material (506), fake accounts (157), threats (27), and indecency (1).
Various enforcement agencies, in addition to the MCMC, blocked 3,997 websites from January to August this year, including the police, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Health Ministry, and the Securities Commission.
Around 1,247 phishing websites and 1,022 porn sites were blocked this year.
Other blocked sites involved online gambling (973), copyright infringement (453), prostitution (83), capital market activities (78), trademark infringement (26), explicit content (17), loan sharks (12), disclosure of personal data (6), elements of falsehood (6), fake or illegal business registrations (2), and criminal defamation (1).
The Health Ministry blocked websites related to cosmetic and drug control (38), food control (30), as well as prohibited or unapproved medicine advertising and sales (3).
“In addressing the issue of misuse, including crimes that occur on social media platforms, the action of taking down content is also implemented with the cooperation of relevant platforms,” he said.
“The removal of content on social media platforms is generally permanent and is subject to the terms and conditions of service set by the respective social media platform,” said Fahmi in response to Wan Saiful’s request for details of every portal and social media account that has been blocked yesterday.
Previously, the MCMC considered adopting a licensing and regulatory framework relating to major online platforms, in a move to regulate digital platforms and the dissemination of harmful content.
They include addressing the dissemination of child sexual abuse material, online gambling, elements inciting the 3R issue, scams and phishing, the sale and promotion of illegal drugs and prohibited substances, impersonation, fake news, and misinformation. – October 10, 2023