Malaysia Orders TikTok to Take Immediate Steps to Improve Harmful Content Regulation

The Communications and Multimedia Commission in Malaysia has issued a legal notice to TikTok, ordering the social media platform to take immediate steps to address failures in its content moderation processes. The regulatory action follows the circulation of content that the commission described as offensive, defamatory, and fake, specifically targeting the nation’s royal institution.

On May 21, 2026, the regulator reported that the problematic material included AI-generated videos and manipulated images. This content was linked to an account that falsely claimed an association with Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, the Sultan of Johor and the incoming 17th King of Malaysia.

Regulatory Concerns and Content Sensitivity

The commission characterized the circulating material as grossly offensive, false, menacing and insulting. The regulator emphasized that the content involves highly sensitive topics, including race, religion, and royalty.

Such matters fall within the sensitive issues of race, religion and royalty which are highly sensitive and may undermine public order, national harmony and respect for constitutional institutions.

Communications and Multimedia Commission

According to the commission, the move was necessitated by TikTok’s failure to act swiftly against these materials. The regulator noted that despite prior notifications and engagements, the platform’s moderation response—particularly regarding the prompt removal of such content and the prevention of further dissemination—was unsatisfactory.

Mandated Remedial Measures

The legal notice issued to TikTok requires the company to explain its moderation failures. The platform is required to undertake immediate remedial measures to prevent similar occurrences.

These required actions include strengthening TikTok’s content moderation mechanisms and improving the enforcement of policies against content that violates both Malaysian laws and the platform’s own community standards. The commission stated that social media platforms operating within Malaysia are expected to exercise greater responsibility in preventing unlawful and harmful activities on their services.

TikTok has not yet released a public comment regarding the legal notice or the specific allegations made by the commission.

Context of Digital Oversight in Malaysia

This enforcement action occurs as Malaysia continues a broader push to tighten oversight of digital platforms. In recent years, Malaysian authorities have increased enforcement against social media companies to address various forms of harmful content, including scams, online gambling, and material deemed a threat to public order.

The commission has warned that it will continue to take firm and proportionate action to ensure that digital platforms comply with their responsibilities to maintain a safe and respectful online environment.