713 deepfakes of political leaders taken offline

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 713 image-manipulation and deepfake content involving political party leaders have been taken down between Jan 1, 2025 and Sept 15 this year.

The Communications Ministry said the content was taken down following complaints, breaches of service providers' community guidelines and violations of local laws.

"The misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including deepfakes, scams and identity forgery, is dealt with based on the nature and elements of the offence and the jurisdiction of the relevant ministry or enforcement agency.

"For content containing obscene, indecent, false, threatening, grossly offensive or harmful elements, MCMC may take action under the Communications and Multimedia Act or the Online Safety Act," it said in a written parliamentary reply today.

The ministry was responding to Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar), who asked about the number of complaints and action taken against deepfake content involving political party leaders between 2025 and 2026.

The ministry said MCMC's requests for takedowns were based on the law, the elements of the offence, facts and evidence, regardless of the political affiliation, position or background of those involved.

The ministry said cases involving prosecution were referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers for assessment, while prosecution could only proceed after written consent was obtained from the public prosecutor.

Cases that proceeded to court were subject to the judicial process, with accused persons given the right to mount a defence before a decision was made.

"The ministry also has checks and balances to ensure MCMC acts fairly and independently without external pressure.

"Parties aggrieved by MCMC's actions and decisions may appeal to the Appeal Tribunal established under both Acts before seeking judicial review at the High Court if dissatisfied with the tribunal's decision.

"This mechanism helps ensure MCMC's regulatory and enforcement actions are carried out based on the law, facts and evidence and are subject to the appropriate review process," it said.