Citing immoral content, senator calls for TikTok ban for under-16s

 

Senator C Sivaraj said the government needed to take stern action on TikTok to safeguard the wellbeing of younger users.

PETALING JAYA: 

A senator has suggested that Putrajaya ban users under 16 from using TikTok in view of the increasing amount of immoral and harmful content.

MIC’s C Sivaraj also said TikTok should be banned as a whole if it fails to effectively bar such content from its platform.

He said the spread of immoral content on the platform was a direct threat to the moral fabric of Malaysia’s younger generation, with TikTok’s content moderation and filtration deemed ineffective.

Sivaraj accused TikTok and other social media platforms of prioritising profits over protecting their users, especially minors.

“From 2022 to Dec 1 this year, the authorities blocked 3,571 pornographic websites and removed 1,947 explicit posts from social media.

“Alarmingly, 71.2% of this content involved the sexual exploitation of children,” he said in a statement.

The former MIC vice-president said the government needed to take stern action to safeguard the wellbeing of children.

“The government must act decisively. If TikTok continues to neglect its responsibilities, a ban for users under 16 is necessary.

“If the issue persists, banning TikTok entirely would be justified to protect the nation’s moral and ethical foundation,” he said.

He called for the development of locally controlled social media platforms to reduce dependence on foreign technology and ensure a safer online environment for Malaysians.

Sivaraj said such platforms would allow greater control over user data, enhance security and provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs to thrive. - FMT