Over 700 deepfake videos of politicians removed from platforms this year

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has ramped up efforts to combat manipulated media targeting the country's political figures, with hundreds of deepfake videos removed from digital platforms in recent months.

According to MCMC data, 713 deepfake videos featuring political leaders have been taken down since January 2025 after the regulator submitted formal takedown requests to the respective service providers. The removals represent a significant enforcement action against synthetic media content designed to deceive viewers and potentially influence public opinion.

The initiative underscores growing concern among Malaysian authorities about the misuse of artificial intelligence technology to create convincing fabricated videos of public figures. Deepfakes pose particular risks during politically sensitive periods, as they can spread rapidly across social media and messaging platforms before verification occurs.

Service providers including major social media platforms have complied with MCMC's requests, reflecting broader industry acknowledgement of the need to address synthetic media on their networks. The regulator's proactive approach signals intensified monitoring of deepfake content across Malaysian digital spaces, with authorities continuing to work with platforms to identify and remove such material.