TLDR: The Malaysian government is exploring a mandate for online content to carry ‘AI generated’ labels under the forthcoming Online Safety Act 2024. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced this initiative on July 13, 2025, citing the urgent need to combat AI misuse, including scams, defamation, and deepfakes, particularly on social media platforms. The Act is anticipated to be enforced by the end of 2025.
KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian government is actively considering the implementation of a mandatory ‘AI generated’ label for online content, a move aimed at bolstering digital safety and combating the rising misuse of artificial intelligence. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed this intent on Sunday, July 13, 2025, stating that this requirement could be enshrined within the Online Safety Act 2024, which is slated to come into effect by the close of this year.
The proposed mandate is a direct response to the growing concerns over the malicious application of AI technologies, particularly on social media platforms. Minister Fahmi highlighted issues such as scams, defamation, identity impersonation, and the proliferation of deepfakes as key drivers behind this legislative consideration. He stressed the critical need for greater transparency to effectively counter disinformation campaigns.
Speaking at a press conference following the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia’s (IPRM) ‘YOU & AI: MEET@BANGSAR’ programme, Fahmi emphasized, ‘We believe platforms must be proactive in labelling AI-generated content as such.’ He noted that several social media platforms have already begun voluntarily tagging AI-generated content, and suggested that such initiatives could be expanded regionally through cooperation among ASEAN countries.
The Minister’s statement comes amidst recent incidents, including the circulation of alleged AI-generated Judicial Appointments Commission documents that went viral, underscoring the immediate challenges posed by generative AI. Fahmi has consistently advocated for social media platforms to implement mandatory ‘AI-Generated’ labels or notifications, asserting that platform operators must be held responsible for incidents occurring on their sites. He has also previously hinted at the possibility of a licensing system for social media platforms to enforce accountability.
Addressing the broader global landscape, Fahmi acknowledged the current absence of universally satisfactory regulatory guidelines for AI-generated fake videos and images. However, he confirmed that active discussions are underway at international forums, including the United Nations (UN) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). ‘I recently attended the AI for Good Summit in Geneva, Switzerland. Indeed, at both the UN and ITU levels, there is ongoing debate over who should be responsible for AI regulation,’ he stated. Domestically, he added, ‘Certainly, at the national level, Parliament and ministries such as the Ministry of Digital must lead.’
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While the government seeks to enforce clear rules, the process faces inherent hurdles, notably the difficulty in precisely determining the extent to which content is artificially generated. Furthermore, existing legal frameworks in Malaysia, such as the Copyright Act 1987, present complexities that need to be navigated in the context of AI-generated content.
