MCMC asks social platforms to remove Christchurch shooting clips

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has ordered social media platforms to delete the full and edited versions of videos regarding the recent Christchurch shootings. Additionally, MCMC has also issued a reminder to all TV stations and members of the public advising them not to share the video. MCMC added that it will continue to monitor the video of the incident on social media and the Internet."The ongoing monitoring results have found that all full-length or edited versions of videos have already been deleted including videos that are within social media platforms. The public is encouraged to constantly self-regulate and sensitise the content they share online, either through WhatsApp apps or video recording on social media," MCMC said.Meanwhile, it encouraged social media users to report inappropriate content to the respective social media platforms so that accounts violating the terms of service can be terminated. MCMC also said that individuals found to violate Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 will be fined up to RM50,000 or imprisoned for up to a year or face both penalties.In the aftermath of the Christchurch shootings, companies including Facebook and YouTube have been fighting to remove the video from its platforms. Within the first 24 hours, Facebook removed about 1.5 million videos of the attack globally, of which over 1.2 million were blocked at upload. Meanwhile, YouTube said it deleted "tens of thousands" of videos and terminated hundreds of accounts created to promote or glorify the shooter. Despite this, CNBC reported that the videos could still be found on the platforms hours after they have been removed.The Association of New Zealand Advertisers and the Commercial Communications Council also challenged Facebook and other platform owners to immediately take steps to effectively moderate hate content before another tragedy can be streamed online.