Malaysia’s telecommunications oversight body announced Thursday that it has delivered a formal legal demand to TikTok, accusing the social media giant of inadequate response to offensive material targeting the nation’s royal family.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission stated the controversy stems from content linked to a profile claiming connections to King Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia.
TikTok has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
According to the commission, the problematic material contained content that was “grossly offensive, false, menacing and insulting in nature,” featuring artificially generated videos and doctored photographs that potentially violate domestic regulations.
The regulatory body emphasized its firm stance against misusing digital platforms for distributing such material, especially when targeting Malaysian monarchy members.
“Such matters fall within the broader context of race, religion and royal issues, which are highly sensitive, undermines public order, national harmony and respect for constitutional institution,” the commission stated.
Officials noted that despite previous warnings and discussions, TikTok’s content oversight efforts proved inadequate, particularly regarding swift content removal and preventing continued spread of harmful posts.
The formal demand will compel TikTok, which is controlled by Chinese company ByteDance, to implement immediate corrective actions, including enhanced content oversight systems and more robust enforcement against material violating Malaysian regulations.
The platform must also submit a detailed response explaining its alleged oversight shortcomings, according to the commission.
Malaysian authorities have intensified oversight of social media platforms recently following documented increases in dangerous online material. Officials plan to implement age verification requirements this year, mirroring global efforts to restrict minors’ social media access.
