Malaysia’s communications regulator is set to issue a stern warning to social media giants TikTok and Meta over allegations of blocking pro-Palestinian content on their platforms. The warning comes amidst growing concerns about restrictions on freedom of speech related to the Palestinian cause.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil made the announcement in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday. He emphasized his commitment to addressing the issue, stating, “If this issue is ignored, I will not hesitate to take a very firm approach and stance.”
While Fahmi did not provide specific details, he noted that numerous parties had urged the Malaysian government to take decisive action against social media platforms for allegedly limiting the visibility of pro-Palestinian content.
Fahmi asserted that Malaysians have the fundamental right to express their views on the Palestinian cause, adding that this right would not be infringed upon. This declaration reflects the broader concern that online platforms may be suppressing discussions and content related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Representatives from both TikTok and Meta have not yet responded to requests for comment, leaving the situation and their official stance on these allegations uncertain.
This development follows Fahmi’s recent statement, issued two weeks ago, where he claimed that TikTok had not fully complied with Malaysia’s laws and had not done enough to combat defamatory or misleading content on its platform. In response, TikTok had pledged to take proactive measures to address the concerns raised.
The Malaysian government’s warning to TikTok and Meta is part of a growing global debate surrounding the role of social media platforms in regulating and moderating content related to sensitive political issues. The situation is likely to develop further as discussions and negotiations continue between the regulators and these tech giants.
