The day's essential Malaysian news, briefed.
A 27-year-old Singaporean has been charged with insulting Islam after posting offensive videos on TikTok in March. He was deported from Malaysia and arrested upon returning to Singapore, with investigations ongoing into a separate incident.
TikTok has reached confidential settlements in three lawsuits filed by teenagers who claim social media platforms were deliberately designed to be addictive and caused mental health damage. The move comes as thousands of similar cases proceed through California courts.
A Malaysian blogger has been convicted and fined RM11,000 by the Sessions Court for posting offensive content on TikTok directed at former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Umno dating back four years.
The European Commission has opened enforcement action against TikTok for allowing children's accounts to be publicly visible and recommending minors' content through its algorithm, potentially breaching EU child-safety standards.
Negeri Sembilan police have launched an investigation into a TikTok video allegedly containing statements by a political party regarding the state's royal institution, with 11 reports filed ahead of Saturday's state election.
A Sepang court has ordered blogger Papagomo to defend himself against charges of publishing false claims about PKR MPs withdrawing support from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The European Commission has determined that TikTok breaches strict child safety standards under EU law, exposing minors to cyberbullying and predatory contact through public profiles and algorithmic recommendations.
Meta disclosed that four US states are seeking $1.4 trillion in penalties in an upcoming trial over claims the company deliberately made its platforms addictive to youth and misrepresented their safety.
Malaysia's Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has called for strengthening the Malaysian Media Council and expanding it to include social media platforms, arguing that self-regulation across the entire media ecosystem is essential for ethical journalism and protecting press freedom.
Indonesia's communications ministry says TikTok and YouTube have deactivated 4.7 million accounts belonging to children under 16, marking the enforcement of new digital protections announced earlier this year.
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Political personality Chegubard has entered a not guilty plea to sedition charges linked to an online post about Negeri Sembilan's royal institution, intensifying debate over speech freedoms and institutional sensitivities in Malaysia.
Police have initiated a formal investigation into former Umno figure Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi following controversial social media comments, with 153 reports filed across Malaysia.
Malaysia's Communications Minister has warned social media companies they face penalties up to RM10 million for non-compliance with age-verification requirements under the newly enforced Online Safety Act 2025.
Malaysian actor Hisyam Hamid has strongly denied baseless rumours that spread across social media claiming he visited the home of fellow actress Erysha Emyra, expressing frustration at the allegations.
A 46-year-old security guard has been jailed and fined in Kuching after posting an offensive comment about Malaysia's Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Facebook. The sessions court judge emphasized the need for respect toward the monarchy.
Social media platforms operating in Malaysia risk fines reaching RM10 million for non-compliance with age-verification rules under the new Online Safety Act 2025, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced.
The European Commission is moving forward with formal preliminary findings against Meta, alleging that Facebook and Instagram employ deliberately addictive design features that harm children's wellbeing through algorithmic 'rabbit-hole' effects.
YouTube has settled a lawsuit filed by a Florida teenager alleging the platform damaged his mental health through addictive design. The settlement comes ahead of a July trial against Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok in California, with thousands more cases pending nationwide.
The European Commission is intensifying its investigation into Meta, preparing preliminary findings that allege Facebook and Instagram employ deliberately addictive design tactics targeting children, potentially leading to new restrictions.
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The Royal Malaysia Police has launched a disciplinary probe into one of its personnel following a viral incident in China. Inspector-General of Police stressed that all officers face accountability for their conduct.
Malaysian police are investigating an assault incident caught on video at a Gelang Patah food stall after footage circulated widely across social media platforms, drawing public attention to workplace safety concerns.
Malaysia's Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran has urged greater focus on mother-tongue proficiency as a means to reduce divisive 3R issues circulating on social media platforms.
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Kelantan's Regent Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra met with Foreign Minister Fahmi to address concerns over fraudulent social media accounts impersonating officials and discuss current governance challenges affecting the state.
A federal appeals court in Cincinnati has reinstated Ohio's controversial Social Media Parental Notification Act, which requires tech companies to obtain parental permission before minors can access social media platforms. The decision represents a significant legal victory for child protection advocates.
A Thai court has handed down an 18-month prison sentence to a man for a Facebook comment made in a monarchy discussion group, prompting renewed scrutiny of Thailand's strict royal defamation laws and their impact on online speech.
The UAE has become the first Arab country to impose a social media ban for children under 15, following similar moves by Australia and Britain. Platforms have 12 months to comply or face blocking.
A Thai court has sentenced a 43-year-old man to 18 months in prison for a comment posted in a Facebook group devoted to discussing the monarchy, underscoring the severity of Thailand's royal defamation laws.
A US appeals court has upheld Ohio's law requiring parental consent before children under 16 can access social media platforms, rejecting constitutional challenges from the tech industry and signalling broader momentum for child protection measures globally.
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Kelantan's Regent Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra met with Foreign Minister Fahmi to tackle the growing problem of fraudulent social media accounts and discuss pressing regional issues.