SOCIAL media platform TikTok blocked more than 1,000 videos in the week after polling, due to extremist content, Digital Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said today.

According to Fahmi, TikTok blocked 175 videos on polling day alone, adding that in the run-up to the ballot 857 clips were detected.

The minister said the videos were blocked automatically by TikTok’s artificial intelligence software.

“We started with TikTok because we saw a lot of May 13 videos, for example. That was a serious cause for concern.

“We also reached out to Meta, because we would like to include WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook,” he told a press conference today.

Following the general election, police warned social media users against creating tension or making provocative statements that could threaten public order.

Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said police had detected posts tinged racial or religious sentiments and insults aimed at the monarchy, as the country descended into political limbo with no clear winner emerging following the election.

“We are warning social media users to refrain from abusing the platform to spread provocative content that may cause public alarm.

“Strict action under the Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998, the Sedition Act or the penal code will be used against anyone trying to create a situation that threatens public safety and order,” he said. – December 7, 2022.