KUALA LUMPUR: TikTok has been instructed to preserve any information required by police in their investigation of a bus driver who uploaded videos and pictures of schoolchildren.
"The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been in communication with TikTok to ensure data preservation and that all information needed by the police is provided immediately," Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said during a press conference at the International Conference on Online Harms today.
Earlier today, a 24-year-old school bus driver who filmed primary school students and referred to them as his "crush" was arrested after his posts went viral.
"MCMC will cooperate with D11 (Sexual, Women, and Children Investigation Division) if the police request MCMC to identify any other parties believed to be involved in the case," he said.
Fahmi said it was troubling that TikTok had allowed such accounts to operate for so long and highlighted the worrying trend reflected in the comments section.
He said it could be seen that there was a broader audience consuming such content, hinting at the presence of other similar creators.
"We do not know how many other accounts like this one exist on TikTok," he said.
The minister also urged social media platforms to work closely with authorities to ensure that children under 13 do not have accounts, citing public support for such a measure.
Fahmi also reminded content creators not to include children in social media content.
"I would like to remind those who produce content, including teachers, please do not record and show children. That is against the law, including the Child Act 2001.
"I have contacted the Education Minister to ensure that this is understood by teachers," he added.