Legal Action: Malaysia Takes Telegram to Court for Spreading Harmful Material

 On Thursday, Malaysia's telecommunications regulatory authority announced that it had obtained a temporary court order against the messaging service "Telegram" and two channels on the platform, alleging the publication of content that violates the country's laws. 

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission stated that it sought the court order due to "Telegram's significant failure to address content that had been repeatedly reported."

The authority noted that the content on the Telegram channels named "Edisi Siasat" and "Edisi Khas" "has the potential to undermine public trust in national institutions and disrupt community harmony," according to Reuters.

The commission mentioned that a high court in Malaysia issued a temporary injunction to halt the dissemination of harmful content and prevent the republishing of similar material, although it did not specify the nature of this harmful content.

In a statement, the authority asserted, "Telegram will be given a fair opportunity to present its defense in accordance with the principles of justice and fundamental rights."

In January, Malaysia introduced a new law for social media that requires social media platforms and messaging services with over 8 million users in Malaysia to obtain a license, or else face legal action.

This legislation aims to combat the rising cybercrime that has followed a sharp increase in harmful content on social media.

Malaysian authorities deem activities such as online gambling, fraud, child exploitation, cyberbullying, and content relating to race, religion, and property as harmful.