PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is looking into social media content allegedly altered using artificial intelligence (AI) to depict former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad mourning the death of his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
The commission said it had contacted the social media platforms involved and was examining the material.
MCMC said legal action could be considered if the content was found to have breached existing laws, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
It said the alteration of authentic footage in a way that could deceive the public, change the context of an incident or affect the dignity of individuals and their families was a serious matter, particularly when it involved a period of mourning.
The commission also called on the public to refrain from producing or circulating manipulated material that could mislead others.
Users were advised to check the authenticity of content before sharing it and to report any material suspected of being manipulated to the relevant platforms or authorities.
MCMC acknowledged that AI technology could provide considerable benefits, but stressed that it needed to 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 commission’s statement came after manipulated footage involving Dr Mahathir circulated online following the death of Dr Siti Hasmah on Sept 28 at the age of 100.
The government had said in March that the growing use of AI and deepfake technology had contributed to the production of false or manipulated material, including content using the images and voices of public figures.
It also said MCMC was working alongside social media platforms and enforcement agencies to tackle harmful content circulating online.
