MCMC investigates celebs and beauty product founders for alleged 'indecent' content

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Royal Malaysian Police will investigate the acts of individuals who have uploaded content considered to be "indecent" and "offensive" on TikTok and Instagram. According to MCMC, these individuals comprise celebrities and founders of beauty products.

MCMC added that it takes the actions of those individuals seriously and is currently investigating them under Section 233 of the communications and multimedia act 1998, which might result in them getting served a maximum fine of RM50,000 and/or not more than one year of imprisonment. 

The investigations began after MCMC received several reports regarding the content posted by the associated individuals. MCMC’s statement further advised people, especially celebrities, to be wiser and more responsible when uploading content online, urging them to abide by Malaysian laws. According to Astro Awani, the investigations concern three individuals. 

Meanwhile, TikTok and Instagram also have strict rules about the type of content posted on their platforms. According to TikTok's website, its content moderation technology flags potential policy violations, such as adult nudity and violent and graphic content. "In the areas where our technology is the most accurate, the content will be automatically removed," TikTok said. Meanwhile, Instagram's terms of use state that users should not post nude, partially nude, or sexually suggestive photos.

Separately, the Content Forum recently unveiled the revamped Content Code 2022 following recommendations from industry players and representatives of the media and ad industry. The new code now has eight key focus areas:

1. Upholding rights of children in advertising
2. Upholding rights of PWD
3. Ensuring ethical reporting of suicide cases
4. Addressing abuse of religion on ads
5. Prohibition against online abuse and gender-based violence
6. Addressing false content and its impact on the community
7. Ensuring influencers and online marketplaces are guided by advertising guidelines
8. Requiring disclosure of ads from influencers and paid-for space in news

Kenny Ong, the Content Forum's chairman, said the new updated Content Code could not have come at a better time as the growing number of content creators would benefit greatly from self-regulating their own content.

Previously in 2021, MCMC banned access to sugar daddy dating site Sugarbook and raised concerns about the platform carrying out a "marketing gimmick". MCMC said in a statement that Sugarbook claims more Malaysian women, especially university students, are signing up as sugarbabies on its site and that it would take action against users and owners of the platform if it is found to be committing activities that violate Malaysian laws.

MCMC also tracked down another gambling-themed Raya ad in that year. MCMC explained in a previous statement that activities such as gambling are harmful to the community and it had contacted media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to remove the ad in line with the terms of service and community standards set by them.

Photo courtesy: 123RF

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