PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — The government will uphold Malaysia’s policies with social media platform X, which reportedly changed its terms to allow users to post pornographic content.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also unity government spokesman, said such actions violate Malaysian law and are unacceptable.
“We will extend the government’s firm stance, our national policy, to X.”
“I believe (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, MCMC, chief operating officer) Datuk Mohd Ali (Hanafiah Mohd Yunus) will ensure all platforms, not just X, understand that certain activities, such as online gambling, dissemination of pornographic materials, and other prohibited content as per our national laws, are not tolerated on these platforms, including X,” he told a post-Cabinet meeting press conference here today.
It was reported X had officially sanctioned the uploading of adult content with certain conditions.
The recent policy update not only permits users to upload explicit content, but also sanctions its distribution and use, provided involved parties consent.
Per the policy, exposure to graphic adult content will be restricted from minors. Consenting adults can opt to view the material.
On claims that Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching instructed the MCMC to block a Facebook user’s uploads, Fahmi clarified such allegations were unfounded.
“The Deputy Minister did not issue any directives; she was falsely accused,” he said.
Fahmi said the ability to remove uploaded content rests with the platform provider.
“The Deputy Minister and I have extensively discussed and addressed issues in Parliament, where not all requests from the MCMC are adhered to by these platforms. The compliance rate might hover around 50 per cent, indicating that not all requested content is removed.
“This implies platforms operate with their own procedures, independent of MCMC directives. However, they do cooperate with the MCMC as a regulatory body to investigate complaints,” Fahmi said.
He said the majority of removed content across social media platforms, exceeding 70 per cent, pertained to scams or online gambling.
Fahmi said anyone can file complaints with the MCMC about objectionable content on social media platforms.
“Complaints can be lodged by anyone, not just by officials.
“The decision to remove content ultimately lies with the platform. If violations are identified, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
— Bernama
