Regulator warns providers that its citizens’ free speech on Palestine will be protected
The Malaysian government has warned social media platforms Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram) and TikTok about their alleged censoring of posts supporting Palestinians against their slaughter by Israel, according to Turkish broadcaster TRT World.
Social media giants – others in addition to the two named – have been accused of shadowbanning pro-Palestinian content for several years but activists claim that the censorship has increased exponentially during Israel’s war on Gazan civilians.
Al Jazeera reports that the case of Belgian filmmaker Thomas Maddens is typical, who saw engagements on his video about the Gaza genocide soar but then quickly drop to nothing:
Earlier this month a Meta spokesperson claimed that the issue on the company’s platforms was caused by a ‘bug’ and was not related to content.
Malaysian communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said today:
If this issue is ignored, I will not hesitate to take a very firm approach and stance.
He added that he would not allow the freedom of speech of Malaysian people to be removed.
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