Govt to assert firm stance with X over pornographic content, says Fahmi Fadzil

The Malaysian government will assert its firm stance to uphold the nation's policies with social media platform X. The platform recently changed its policy to allow users to post pornographic content on its site. 

During a post-cabinet meeting press conference on 5 June, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said that the policy change is against Malaysia's law and is not allowed. 

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He added that the government will assert its firm stance on the matter to X and believe that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) CEO Mohd Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus will ensure that all platforms, not just X, understand that certain activities are not allowed as per Malaysia's national laws.

These activities include online gambling, the dissemination of pornographic materials and other prohibited content. 

Earlier in May 2024, X changed its adult content policy to allow the production and distribution of adult nudity or sexual behaviour as long as it is consensual, properly labelled and not prominently displayed. 

"Sexual expression, whether visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression. We believe in the autonomy of adults to engage with and create content that reflects their own beliefs, desires, and experiences, including those related to sexuality," said X in a statement.

X defines adult content as full or partial nudity, including close-ups of genitals, buttocks or breasts and the explicit or implied sexual behaviour of simulated acts such as sexual intercourse and other sexual acts. This applies to AI generated, photographic or animated content such as cartoons, hentai or anime too. 

It added that it will restrict exposure to adult content for children or adult users who choose not to see it. X also prohibits content promoting exploitation, nonconsent, objectification, sexualization or harm to minors, and obscene behaviours, according to the statement.

The sharing of adult content is also not allowed in highly visible places such as profile photos or banners.

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