Over 5,400 fake image takedown requests from MCMC since 2022

2026-03-02 - 23:34

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said MCMC is working closely with social media platforms and enforcement agencies to address the spread of false information, including AI-generated content. PETALING JAYA: A total of 5,409 requests to remove images that were deepfaked or otherwise manipulated were submitted to service providers between Jan 1, 2022 and Jan 15 this year, says communications minister Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi said 4,955 pieces of such content, or 92%, were taken down following applications by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). “For false content more broadly, 59,967 removal applications were submitted, of which 51,912 pieces (87%) were taken down. “Removals were based on complaints, the community guidelines set by each platform and the applicable local laws,” he said in a written parliamentary reply yesterday. Fahmi was responding to Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, who had asked about the measures taken to curb the spread of defamatory AI-generated content. He said MCMC was working closely with social media platforms and enforcement agencies to curb the spread of false information, including AI-generated content. Fahmi said the commission was also drafting subsidiary instruments under the Online Safety Act 2025 to outline the responsibilities of licensed service providers in managing online risks. The proposals under consideration include labelling requirements for AI-generated or AI-manipulated content such as deepfakes and altered images or audio to help users identify potentially misleading material.