TikTok removes 1.5 million Malaysian videos violating safety guidelines

Video-sharing app TikTok has outlined new measures in content moderation and community protection for its Malaysian users and removed about 1.5 million videos in the country alone that violated these laws. 

In the platform's Community Guidelines Enforcement Report for July to September 2023, TikTok revealed that it has removed videos and suspended LIVEs that did not meet TikTok's community guidelines, terms of service and advertising policies. 

In 2023, TikTok removed a total of 1,555,199 videos from Malaysia. These videos went against TikTok's policies such as integrity and authenticity, mental and behavioural health, privacy and security, regulated goods and commercial activities, safety and civility, sensitive and mature themes and youth safety and well-being. 

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Of the 1,555,199 videos removed, 96.8% of it were proactively removed before it could be reported by viewers while 77.6% of the videos were removed before it could garner any views. 

Additionally, 90.8% of the videos were removed within 24 hours of posting. 

In tandem, TikTok also cracked down on harmful political discourse. The report revealed that TikTok targeted a network attempting to manipulate public opinion during Malaysian elections. 

The individuals behind the network, according to TikTok, had created inauthentic accounts in order to artificially amplify narratives critical of political parties Barisan Nasional, United Malays National Organisation and Pakatan Harapan, and which are favourable to Perikatan Nasional.

A total of 53 accounts were found in the network, amassing a total of 174, 472 followers. 

Globally, TikTok removed a total of 136 million videos. 

These initiatives are part of TikTok's broader commitment to digital safety and to continuously protect its Malaysian users from fake accounts and misinformation. 

In October 2023, the communications and digital ministry, Malaysian communications and multimedia commission (MCMC) reportedly held a discussion with TikTok about the platform adhering to Malaysian laws and being more proactive with the spread of disinformation.

The discussion followed communications and digital minister, Fahmi Fadzil’s recent meeting with TikTok global vice president Helena Lersch about the spread of fake news on the platform.

TikTok must operate according to Malaysian guidelines and laws while being more proactive in curbing the spread of fake news and defamatory material which includes coordinated inauthentic behaviour, said Fahmi in a statement on X after his meeting with Lersch.

TikTok’s compliance with Malaysian laws remains unsatisfactory and must be immediately rectified, he added.

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