MCMC probes AI‑manipulated footage of Dr Mahathir grieving wife’s death, warns of legal action

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 2 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has its eyes on social media content that allegedly uses artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate footage of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad grieving the death of his wife, Tun Dr Siti 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 today.

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 offered significant benefits, 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 Tun Dr 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 MCMC was working with social media platforms and enforcement agencies to address harmful online content. — Bernama