Malaysia sees rise in fake social media accounts spreading religion, race, royalty content

Malaysia's Communications Ministry detected a surge in fake social media accounts spreading content related to religion, race, and royalty, known as 3R content ^{[1, 2]}. Many of these accounts are created specifically to generate 3R content and are deleted after the content is disseminated. “Many fake accounts are being created, particularly to generate 3R content and after the content is produced and disseminated, the accounts are then taken down,” Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil told reporters on May 24 after the Youth Festival in Kuala Lumpur ^[1].

The ministry has also found that fake accounts often impersonate rulers and members of royal families by using their images and names. Fahmi said, “We are looking at the issue of fake accounts that use the images and names of rulers and royal families” ^[1]. This rise in 3R-related cases has prompted authorities to focus on both the content and the fake accounts spreading it ^{[1, 2]}.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has responded by issuing notices of demand to some social media platforms, including TikTok, to curb the spread of harmful content. Platforms like Meta have cooperated with authorities, Fahmi added, stating, “Some (platforms) have been issued notices of demand by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, such as TikTok, while others, such as Meta, have cooperated” ^[1]. However, social media platforms are urged to clearly outline steps they will take to reduce similar incidents in the future ^{[1, 2]}.

Fahmi emphasized that the main challenge lies in stopping irresponsible parties from creating fake accounts to spread sensitive 3R content. Despite the increase in such cases, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 remains sufficient to handle harmful online content and does not require amendments at this time ^{[1, 2]}.

Authorities continue monitoring fake accounts and 3R-related cases closely as they seek stronger cooperation from social media companies. The ministry aims to tighten enforcement and reduce the circulation of divisive content online.