Unprecedented Content Restrictions in Malaysia
In the first half of 2023, both Meta, the parent company of Facebook, and China’s TikTok implemented a record number of content restrictions on social media posts and accounts in Malaysia. Data released by the companies indicates a surge in government requests for content removal during this period.
The administration of Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who assumed office in November 2022 with promises of reforms, has faced accusations of reneging on commitments to safeguard freedom of speech. Despite assertions by the government that it is not suppressing dissent but rather targeting provocative content related to race, religion, and royalty, concerns have intensified.
Meta Transparency Report
Meta’s Transparency Report for the first six months of 2023 revealed that approximately 3,100 pages and posts on Facebook and Instagram were restricted in Malaysia due to alleged violations of local laws. This figure marked a sixfold increase from the preceding half-year and set a record since Meta began reporting content restrictions in the country in 2017.
Government Perspective
The Malaysian communications regulator stated on Friday that its efforts to request Content Restrictions aimed to protect users from the growing prevalence of online harms, emphasizing that it was not an attempt to stifle diverse views.
Between July 2022 and June 2023, Meta disclosed that it restricted access to over 3,500 items, responding to reports from Malaysia’s communications regulator and other government agencies. The content targeted criticism of the government and violations related to illegal gambling, hate speech, divisive content, bullying, and financial scams.
In a similar vein, TikTok’s report for the period from January to June 2023 revealed 340 requests from the Malaysian government to remove or restrict content, impacting 890 posts and accounts. TikTok complied by removing or restricting 815 items, the highest in a six-month period since reporting began in 2019.
Malaysia, in comparison to other Southeast Asian governments, made the most requests to restrict content on TikTok. However, Meta did not disclose the total number of government requests it received for content restrictions.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission reported a 24-fold increase in harmful content on social media platforms, reaching 25,642 instances in 2023, compared to 1,019 the previous year. This included issues such as scams, illegal sales, gambling, fake news, and hate speech.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil denied allegations of seeking the removal of critical posts on social media and emphasized that the regulator often acted upon complaints from ordinary users.
Malaysia, with its predominantly Muslim Malay population and significant Chinese and Indian minorities, grapples with sensitive issues related to race and religion. The country also has laws against seditious remarks or insults targeting its monarchy.
In October, Fahmi criticized TikTok for not doing enough to address defamatory or misleading content, accusing the platform of non-compliance with local laws. TikTok responded by pledging proactive measures to address the concerns raised. The Malaysian government also considered legal action against Meta for its handling of “undesirable” content but dropped the plan after discussions with the company.
Article 19, a free speech group, condemned the removal of critical posts about the government, expressing concerns about the increased requests to restrict content. The group warned that such actions could potentially stifle legitimate free speech and expression, emphasizing the importance of allowing critical views on social issues, public figures, and government institutions.
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