Malaysian regulator eyes legal action over AI-altered TikTok video of former PM's grief
A TikTok clip using AI to show the former prime minister mourning his late wife has drawn SKMM's attention for possible legal action under the Communications and Multimedia Act.
A short black-and-white TikTok video of 27 seconds uploaded by user @vinustudio.my quickly went viral, attracting more than 745,000 views, over 30,200 likes and thousands of shares. The clip shows the former prime minister wiping away tears, followed by an AI-generated segment where he appears to hug his late wife Hasmah, accompanied by a somber soundtrack. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) announced it has contacted the platform and is examining the material for possible violations of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and other statutes.
If breaches are confirmed, SKMM may pursue legal action. The commission also urged the public to avoid creating, uploading, or sharing manipulated content that could confuse audiences or damage individuals' dignity, stressing responsible AI use.
Why it matters
It highlights regulatory scrutiny of AI-generated misinformation that can exploit personal grief and affect public trust.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Pioneering Malaysian doctor and former prime minister's spouse Siti Hasmah dies at 100
- Sep 28 She was interred beside former First Lady Tun Endon at the National Mausoleum in Putrajaya.
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