Kuala Lumpur: Social media platforms Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube have agreed to remove 159,518 pieces of content related to online gambling, scams, cyberbullying, and fake news, as announced by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. This decision follows a series of takedown requests made throughout the year, totaling 174,473.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil revealed these figures during the Communications Ministry's monthly assembly at Menara Komunikasi. Of the content removed, 51% involved online gambling, 25% were scams, 12% pertained to cyberbullying, and 9% were fake news. The breakdown showed that 57% of the harmful content was on Facebook, 28% on TikTok, and 13% on YouTube. Other platforms accounted for a smaller portion of the content issues.

Despite these efforts, Minister Fahmi expressed concerns over the persistent presence of child exploitation content online, particularly on Facebook. He questioned the adequacy of current laws and cooperation levels, suggesting the need for a more strategic approach. Fahmi referenced an integrated operation by the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) known as Op Pedo, conducted late last year.

The government has also moved to implement a licensing framework for social media platforms to enhance digital safety, particularly for children. Fahmi highlighted the recent passage of the Online Safety Act (OnSA) 2024, which received royal assent and is set to be enforced soon. This act empowers the MCMC to take action against social media platforms that do not meet their obligations.