Malaysia cracks down on porn and fake news online
Malaysia has removed nearly 2,000 pornographic posts and ads from social media since 2022, the government has said.
Authorities have also blocked more than 3,600 websites for inappropriate content.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told Parliament that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is responsible for taking down these posts and blocking websites.
He said social media platforms must now apply for a special license if they have over eight million users in Malaysia. This rule, which started in January, is meant to make the internet safer.
The issue was raised by a lawmaker, Dr. Halimah Ali, who said that despite government action, pornographic ads are still common online.
Fahmi responded by saying that MCMC has a team dedicated to monitoring and removing harmful content, adding that social media companies must take responsibility for keeping their platforms clean.
"Social media platforms have a duty of care to avoid putting up inappropriate content and that is why we need to work with them," he was quoted by The Star.
Another lawmaker, RSN Rayer, also raised concerns about the spread of false and harmful content, especially posts insulting Malaysia’s rulers and politicians.
Communications Minister Fahmi urged everyone, including politicians, to avoid sharing false information, stressing that spreading fake news can have serious consequences.
