MCMC Claims Over 60,000 Fraudulent Content Removed From Social Media In 2024

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has recently been reported to have taken down a pretty staggering 63,652 pieces of fraudulent content off of social media last year. This is a pretty significant increase compared to last year, being slightly over 10 times as many pieces than the year that came before.

Bernama cites deputy comms minister Teo Nie Ching as saying that the number of fraudulent social media content removed in 2023 amounts up to 6,297. The report also cites her elaboration on the kinds of content being removed, many of which are frauds involving artificial intelligence (AI) tech like deepfakes for impersonation of notable figures.

The minister also says that the while the number of 63,652 is quite substantial, this is only based on the complaints received. She also said that there’s more out there, and “therefore, it’s crucial to educate the public to be more vigilant and considerate, always verify information, and refrain from sharing if they are unsure”.

To be fair, the number of takedowns in 2023 being at 6,297 is pretty significant as well. For better or worse, our country has developed somewhat of a reputation on this front, with TikTok’s biannual transparency report noting that in the second half of 2023, the Malaysian government made 1,862 takedown requests on the platform alone. And with the social media licensing being in effect this year, that number could be a bigger one by the time 2026 rolls around.

(Source: Bernama, Straits Times)