TLDR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is exploring a mandatory labeling rule for AI-generated or AI-enhanced content on social media platforms. This initiative, expected to be implemented under the Online Safety Act (ONSA) by the end of 2025, aims to combat the spread of deepfakes, misinformation, scams, and identity impersonation, promoting greater transparency and user awareness.
KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is actively considering the implementation of a mandatory labeling rule for content generated or significantly enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) on social media platforms. This proposed regulation is a crucial step in addressing the growing concerns surrounding the proliferation of deepfake materials, misinformation, scams, and identity impersonation online.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated that the move is designed to increase transparency and help users distinguish between original human-created content and that which has been produced or altered using AI technology. Speaking in Dewan Rakyat on July 29, 2025, Fahmi emphasized the need for social media platforms to apply clear labels such as ‘AI-generated’ or ‘AI-enhanced’ to such content. He highlighted that user awareness remains paramount, given the increasing sophistication of AI tools capable of mimicking real individuals or fabricating events.
This initiative is expected to be enforced under the upcoming Online Safety Act (ONSA), or Act 868, which is anticipated to come into force by the end of 2025, once supporting regulations are finalized by the MCMC. Fahmi noted that while some social media platforms have already begun voluntarily labeling AI-generated content, the government believes it is time to move beyond optional efforts to ensure widespread compliance and effectiveness.
The minister underscored the responsibility of social media platforms in curbing the unchecked spread of misleading AI-generated materials. He stressed the importance of having a simple verification mechanism for users to easily identify AI-altered content. The proposed labeling requirement aligns with emerging international best practices in regulating generative AI technologies.
In response to concerns raised by Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN–Langkawi) regarding deepfakes and MCMC’s investigative procedures, Fahmi explained that investigations into social media-related complaints are conducted under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). These investigations begin with a first information report (FIR), and if initial evidence links an individual to an alleged offense, communication devices can be seized by MCMC or the police. Fahmi assured that all investigations are carried out transparently and thoroughly.
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The Malaysian government is also exploring regional cooperation with ASEAN countries to expand these efforts, making it more challenging for malicious actors to evade regulations by shifting platforms or countries. Fahmi reiterated that this is not solely a tech policy issue, but rather one that requires every ministry to assess how AI is utilized within their respective domains. He also emphasized that AI will not replace human roles, but rather that younger generations, particularly Gen Alpha, must understand the benefits and limitations of AI to avoid being misled by online content.
