PUTRAJAYA (Oct 2): The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has its eyes on social media content that allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate footage of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad grieving the death of his wife, Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali.

The commission said it had contacted the relevant social media platforms over the content.

“If there were any violation of the law, appropriate action may be taken under existing legislation, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588),” it said in a statement on Friday.

The MCMC said manipulating genuine footage in ways that could mislead the public, distort the context of an event or undermine the dignity of individuals and their families should not be taken lightly, particularly during bereavement.

It urged the public not to create or share misleading manipulated content and to verify material before sharing it.

Suspected manipulated content should also be reported to the relevant platforms or authorities.

While AI offers significant benefits, the MCMC stressed that the technology must be used responsibly.

“Technology should not be used to distort the truth or exploit someone’s grief at the expense of dignity and humanity,” it said.

The statement followed the circulation of manipulated footage of Mahathir after his wife’s death on Sept 28 at the age of 100.

In March, the government said AI and deepfake technology was increasingly being used to produce false or manipulated content, including material featuring the images and voices of public figures.

It said the MCMC is working with social media platforms and enforcement agencies to address harmful online content.

Read also:
Mahathir visits Hasmah's grave
Mahathir admitted to IJN for observation, says Mokhzani
Tun Dr Hasmah, wife of former PM Mahathir, dies at 100

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