Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Communications is using the subsidiary instruments under the Online Safety Act (ONSA) 2025 (Act 866) in its enforcement and in pursuing legal action against social media platforms over the spread of deepfake content. Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said investigations show most deepfake material circulating online is facilitated by social media platforms.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi Fadzil revealed that the dissemination of such content often occurs without accompanying text, indicating its placement as paid advertising. He noted that scammers are using these platforms to specifically target Malaysians. This statement was made during the Dewan Negara Question Time in response to Senator Tiew Way Keng's inquiry about the implementation status of the licensing and accountability approach for large platforms, as well as measures for protecting children and families.
The minister emphasized that efforts, including enforcement under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) and Act 866, have strengthened online safety for children, families, and vulnerable groups. Fahmi highlighted the government's awareness of the misuse of digital technologies, such as AI-generated deepfakes and online defamation, which pose risks to public safety, social order, and individual dignity.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is actively addressing harmful social media content related to public interest, crime, abuse, threats, and provocation. The government is intensifying cooperation with social media platforms and enforcement agencies to curb AI-generated harmful content.
Fahmi stated that if deepfake content continues to be widespread after the subsidiary instruments are enforced, the government may impose compound penalties on platforms rather than users as a deterrent. The licensing framework, which took effect on January 1, 2025, mandates that from January 1, 2026, internet messaging and social media service providers with eight million or more users in Malaysia be deemed registered as Application Service Provider (Class) licence holders under Section 46A of Act 588.
The MCMC is authorized to take enforcement action under Act 588 and Act 866, effective from January 1, 2026, along with relevant regulatory instruments, against service providers failing to comply with directives or statutory obligations.