[UPDATED] MCMC obtains court injunction against Edisi Siasat, Edisi Khas on Telegram

New Straits Times

5 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has obtained an interim injunction from the High Court to prevent the republication of content from two Telegram channels, Edisi Siasat and Edisi Khas.
The injunction follows MCMC's move to file a civil action against the two channels, which were found to have published content in breach of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
In a statement, the commission said the move was a last resort to stop the spread of harmful content and to prevent the republication of similar material.
"This action is taken to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that the public interest continues to be protected.
"Telegram will be given the opportunity to present its defence in line with the principles of justice and fundamental rights," it said.
The commission added that this is the first action of its kind taken against a social media platform provider, specifically because Telegram holds a Class Application Service Provider [ASP(C)] licence.
The move follows Telegram's repeated failure to address content that has been reported to the platform numerous times, despite various negotiation efforts and cooperation extended by MCMC.
"As the regulatory authority, MCMC wishes to remind all social media platform providers that they are responsible for the content published on their respective digital platforms.
"MCMC will not hesitate to take similar action against other platforms to ensure the safety and well-being of users continue to be protected," it added.
The commission also said it remains committed to ensuring that the country's digital space remains safe, ethical, and in compliance with the law.