2,354 Deepfake, 46,966 Fake Content Taken Down Over Three Years Since 2022 - Teo

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has removed 2,354 deepfake items and 46,966 pieces of false content over a three-year period since Jan 1, 2022, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said that from Jan 1, 2022, to Oct 15 this year, the MCMC had submitted 3,074 applications to service providers to remove deepfake content, with 2,354 items, or 77 per cent, successfully taken down.

As for fake content, she said 55,218 applications had been submitted, of which 46,966 items, or 85 per cent, were removed.

“These takedown actions were carried out based on complaints received and the community guidelines set by each platform, in accordance with local laws.

“Collaboration with social media platforms and enforcement agencies is also being actively undertaken to curb the spread of false information, including AI-generated content,” she said during a question-and-answer session today.

Teo said this in response to a question from Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) on measures to curb the misuse of AI technologies, which could lead to public unrest and interracial tension.

She said the government had also enacted the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866) to enhance and promote online safety in Malaysia, regulate harmful content, and set out the duties and obligations of application service providers, content application service providers, and licensed network service providers.

Teo added that the MCMC is currently developing subsidiary instruments under Act 866, as well as regulations and codes focused on online risk management.

“To ensure transparency and accountability of service providers in fulfilling their online safety obligations, they will be required to prepare an online safety plan detailing their compliance with Act 866,” she said.

She also said the MCMC is exploring the introduction of age and identity verification methods for users to ensure effective implementation on online platforms and reduce the risk of exposure to harmful content, particularly for children.

--BERNAMA