Communications Ministry to use Online Safety Act powers to penalise platforms hosting deepfake ads, with new licensing rules now in effect.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Communications is pursuing legal action against social media platforms over the spread of deepfake content using subsidiary instruments under the Online Safety Act (ONSA) 2025.

Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said investigations show most deepfake material is facilitated by social media platforms.

He told the Dewan Negara that such content is often disseminated as paid advertising without accompanying text.

“Scammers are paying platforms to target Malaysians,” he said during Question Time.

Fahmi was replying to Senator Tiew Way Keng on the status of licensing for large platforms and protections for children and families. He said enforcement under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and ONSA has strengthened online safety for vulnerable groups.

The government is aware of concerns over AI-generated deepfakes and online defamation. Fahmi stated these technologies pose risks to public safety, social order and individual dignity.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is taking proactive action against harmful content involving public interest, crime and abuse. Cooperation with platforms and enforcement agencies is being intensified to curb AI-generated harmful content.

“Through these subsidiary instruments, if deepfake content remains widespread after they come into force, compound penalties may be imposed, not on users, but on the platforms themselves as a deterrent,” he said.

A new licensing framework for large platforms took effect on Jan 1, 2025. From Jan 1, 2026, major messaging and social media services with eight million or more users in Malaysia are deemed registered licence holders.

The MCMC may take enforcement action under both Acts against service providers that fail to comply with directives or statutory obligations.

 The Sun Malaysia