TikTok banned 23, not 18 media organisation accounts - Fahmi

Summary

• Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil clarifies that 23, not 18 TikTok accounts belonging to various media organisations have been permanently banned over videos on the Batang Kali mosque molest case.

• The minister says he has requested an explanation on the ban from TikTok.

PARLIAMENT | Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today clarified that TikTok’s artificial intelligence had permanently banned 23 accounts belonging to various media organisations.

The figure is higher than initial reports that identified 18 permanently banned accounts.

“We have tried to seek feedback from TikTok, most likely it (the ban) was linked to videos of the recent molest case at the mosque in Batang Kali.

“I have asked TikTok to provide an explanation,” said Fahmi in response to Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas), who interjected during his ministry’s winding-up speech on issues raised during the royal address debates.

Fahmi noted that the various media organisations believed that they had not gone against any media ethics as none of the videos clearly showed the child’s image.

“But the videos were automatically blocked by TikTok’s artificial intelligence.

“So, the use of AI, at times it can help but sometimes it can pose (undue) restrictions,” said Fahmi, adding part of the ministry’s efforts include informing TikTok of the media’s code of ethics.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the MCMC had earlier today met with Facebook to discuss various AI-related issues, including “deep fake” videos of prominent individuals edited to promote online scams.

Among others, RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong) had raised the issue of videos found on Facebook, featuring images of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim falsely promoting dubious investment schemes.

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