Malaysia sues Telegram over harmful content, including gambling links
Malaysia’s communications regulator, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has taken legal action against messaging platform Telegram, along with two channels on the app, for allegedly distributing harmful content that may undermine trust in public institutions and disrupt societal harmony.
In a statement released on Thursday, MCMC confirmed that it had filed a civil suit and successfully secured an interim injunction from the High Court against Telegram and the two anonymous channels — Edisi Siasat and Edisi Khas. According to the commission, this marks the first time such legal proceedings have been initiated against a social media platform in Malaysia.
“This marks the first such action taken against a social media platform provider, particularly since Telegram holds an Application Service Provider (Class) [ASP(C)] licence,” MCMC stated.
Interim injunction secured to halt content spread
MCMC said the injunction was granted to halt the circulation of the alleged offensive material and prevent similar future publications. Although it did not describe the nature of the content, the commission said the posts could potentially “undermine public trust in national institutions and disrupt societal harmony.”
The two Telegram channels are known for sharing whistleblower-style content, often targeting public institutions and enforcement agencies. Despite their unofficial status, the channels’ posts regularly attract public attention and debate.
“This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC,” the commission said.
Due to what it termed as Telegram’s “unsatisfactory level of compliance”, MCMC said it had no option but to seek court intervention as a last resort to safeguard public interest and uphold the rule of law.
Warning to other social media providers
The regulator also highlighted that Telegram will be given a fair chance to defend itself in court proceedings.
“Telegram will be given appropriate space to present its defence in accordance with the principles of justice and human rights,” it said.
MCMC warned that it would not hesitate to take similar action against other platforms if they fail to comply with Malaysian laws. It also reminded all social media service providers that they are responsible for the content published on their platforms.
“MCMC as a regulatory body would like to remind that all social media platform providers are responsible for the content published in their respective digital spaces,” it said.
Telegram has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the ongoing legal action.
New social media rules in place
The legal move comes amid broader efforts by Malaysian authorities to regulate digital content. In January, the government introduced a new law requiring social media platforms and messaging apps with over eight million users in the country to obtain a licence or face legal action.
The law was introduced in response to the rising rate of cybercrimes and harmful online content. Authorities have classified online gambling, scams, child pornography, cyberbullying, and content involving race, religion, and royalty as harmful and subject to enforcement. While Malaysia allows some forms of legal gambling—such as lotteries, horse racing and land-based casinos—online gambling and sports betting remain banned under the country’s laws.
