Malaysia's internet watchdog has ordered TikTok to take action against "offensive and defamatory" content targeting the country's monarchy. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced Thursday it had instructed the video-sharing platform to implement "immediate remedial measures" following the circulation of content related to an account purportedly linked to King Sultan Ibrahim.

The MCMC's directive requires TikTok to enhance its content moderation policies and provide a "formal explanation" for its failure to block what the regulator described as "grossly offensive, false, menacing and insulting" material. This content includes AI-generated videos and manipulated images that the MCMC deems detrimental to public order, especially concerning the monarchy.

The regulator stated that it issues this order after finding TikTok's previous responses to notifications about such content to be "unsatisfactory." The MCMC views the use of online platforms for disseminating false or harmful content, particularly that which targets the royal family, with extreme seriousness.

This action underscores Malaysia's commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful online environment. The MCMC emphasized its intention to "continue to take firm and proportionate action where necessary to ensure digital platforms operating in Malaysia uphold their responsibilities."

Malaysia, operating as a constitutional monarchy, has laws, including a sedition act from 1948, that penalize speech inciting "hatred or contempt" against the royal family. This order against TikTok is the latest in a series of regulatory actions by Malaysian authorities concerning social media platforms.

Previously, in January, the MCMC temporarily blocked access to the AI assistant Grok due to global concerns over its capability to generate sexually explicit images without consent. The Malaysian government is also progressing with legislation passed last year to prevent individuals under 16 from using social media, aligning with similar measures adopted by countries like Australia, Indonesia, and France.

TikTok, owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance, did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the MCMC's order. The situation highlights the ongoing challenge for governments worldwide in regulating content on rapidly evolving social media platforms.

The MCMC's firm stance suggests a potential for further action if TikTok does not comply with the directive to strengthen its moderation and address the specific content identified, ensuring digital platforms respect national sensitivities and legal frameworks.