Malaysia has recently issued a call to action directed at Meta, the operator of Facebook, and TikTok, a popular short video service, urging them to enhance their monitoring efforts on their respective platforms. This appeal comes in response to a significant uptick in the reported cases of harmful social media content within the country. According to a joint statement issued by Malaysia’s communications regulator and the Malaysian police, the government referred a staggering 51,638 cases to various social media platforms, including Meta and TikTok, for further investigation and action during the first quarter of 2024 alone. This figure starkly contrasts with the 42,904 cases reported throughout the entirety of the previous year, highlighting the alarming rise in problematic online content.
Although the specifics regarding the types of harmful content were not explicitly outlined, the Malaysian government underscored its commitment to combating the dissemination of material related to sensitive subjects such as race, religion, and royalty. TikTok and Meta were specifically called upon to address content associated with coordinated inauthentic behavior, financial scams, and illegal online gambling, indicating the breadth of concerns surrounding online safety and integrity.
In Malaysia, issues pertaining to race, religion, and the monarchy hold particular significance due to the country’s diverse demographic composition. With a predominantly Muslim ethnic Malay majority alongside sizable ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, Malaysia’s social fabric is intricately woven with cultural and religious sensitivities. Moreover, the nation enforces laws that prohibit seditious remarks or insults directed at its monarchy, reflecting the gravity with which such matters are regarded.
The Malaysian government’s heightened scrutiny of online content occurs amidst allegations of a regression in commitments to uphold free speech by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration. Despite refutations of claims suggesting suppression of diverse viewpoints, the government asserts its responsibility to shield users from online harms, underscoring the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the need for regulatory oversight.
Data released by Meta and TikTok in the past year indicated a marked increase in the restriction of social media posts and accounts in Malaysia during the first half of 2023. This surge coincided with a rise in government requests to remove content, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by platforms in navigating the complexities of content moderation while upholding principles of free speech and societal well-being.