Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said X’s terms clearly violated Malaysian laws and were unacceptable.
“We will extend the government’s firm stance on our national policy to X.
“I believe (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission managing director) Ali Hanafiah Yunus will ensure all platforms, not just X, understand that activities such as online gambling, dissemination of pornographic materials, and other content prohibited as per our national laws are not tolerated on these platforms,” the unity government spokesman said at a press conference.
It was reported that X had officially sanctioned the uploading of adult content with certain conditions.
The recent policy update not only permits users to upload explicit content but also sanctions its distribution and use, provided it receives consent from the involved parties.
As per the policy, exposure to graphic adult content will be restricted to minors and consenting adults who opt not to view it.
Meanwhile, Fahmi denied claims that deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching instructed MCMC to block a Facebook user’s posts.
“The deputy minister did not issue any directive. She was falsely accused,” he said.
Fahmi said the responsibility to remove uploaded content rests with the platform provider and not on government orders.
“The deputy minister and I have extensively discussed and addressed these issues in Parliament, (and said that) not all requests from MCMC are adhered to by these platforms. The compliance rate might hover around 50%, indicating that not all requested content is removed.
“This implies that platforms operate with their own procedures, independent of MCMC’s directives. However, they do cooperate with MCMC as a regulatory body to investigate complaints,” Fahmi said.
He said the majority of removed content across social media platforms, exceeding 70%, pertained to scams or online gambling.
Fahmi said anyone, including the public, could file complaints with MCMC regarding objectionable content on social media platforms.
“Complaints can be lodged by anyone, not just ministers or officials.
“The decision to remove content ultimately lies with the platform. If violations are identified, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.