KUALA LUMPUR: Close to 80 per cent of respondents in a New Straits Times' poll on Twitter and Instagram supported measures to control TikTok.
These measures include the possibility of a nationwide ban, imposing restrictions, or banning the app on government-issued devices, as done in other countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada.
Netizens highlighted concerns over the app's impact on young people's mental health, addiction, negative influence, and the ease with which restrictions can be circumvented. Furthermore, they also raised national security fears.
Only 20 percent of respondents believed no action was necessary. They argued that many apps—not just TikTok— also collected and sold user data.
They further highlighted that a ban on TikTok would infringe on human rights. Supporters emphasised that TikTok is primarily a platform for entertainment, offering assistance to users and lucrative opportunities for creators.
Additionally, they said the government should prioritise larger issues instead of focusing on TikTok.
Also Read: TikTok: A national security threat?
Surprisingly, an overwhelming majority of respondents and netizens called for action on TikTok, ironically including the app's users.
On Twitter, 76.4 per cent of 476 repondents called for some kind of action, with 31.2 percent wanting the government to impose restrictions on the app, 28.6 percent urging a nationwide ban, and 16.6 percent calling for a ban on government devices.
The remaining 23.6 per cent said no action was needed, with some arguing that the app is purely for entertainment purposes.
"It (TikTok) is getting out of hand. (The government) needs to do something about it" @alisaon400IM tweeted.
"Please ban TikTok in Malaysia as it could jeopardise our national harmony", @RadhwanRhmz claimed.
"Please do (ban TikTok). Contents are overloaded," @SriG6 said.
"TikTok is an easily accessible weapon used to manipulate the masses. It has become a platform for sociopolitical stirring and incitement by both domestic and foreign entities. Kill it before it grows, @fahmi_fadzil (https://twitter.com/fahmi_fadzil)," @Aisehman wrote, in tagging Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
@mrkhlim, however, pointed out that "the issue at hand is data collection and sharing of sensitive user information."
"Many user data are shared and bought by third party for purposes other than originally intended in Malaysia. Is this being address currently? If not, then making one app as a black sheep doesn't do anything," he said.
On Instagram, 75 per cent of 154 repondents wanted action: 32 per cent called for nationwide ban, 32 per cent want restrictions to be imposed and only 11 per cent said the app should be banned on government devices. While 25 per cent of respondents said no action is needed.
Several called on TikTok Malaysia to set an age limit, while others recommended shorter screen time limit and urged the platform to better regulate content.
"TikTok should have age restriction and content filter," @hjhuei_28 said, adding that parents should also monitor their children's activities on the app.
"Perhaps, not a total ban, but (a Malaysian authority) should be placed within TikTok Malaysia to oversee and ensure data privacy," @mikhailmikeh suggested.
While @d.azim wrote: "Collecting data from civilians is a serious issue that warrant action."
"TikTok is just an app for entertainment. So, let people share their hidden talents," @scott_styris said.
"TikTok have boosted Malaysian income through TikTok shop" @alifhzwn pointed out.
Also Read: NST Leader: Hard truth about software
In January 2023, TikTok Malaysia recorded a substantial growth in its monthly user base, reaching 21.9 million compared with 16.7 million in January 2022.
A significant majority of TikTok users in Malaysia fall within the age range of 18 to 34, comprising over 70 per cent of the total user base.
In response to the NST's post on Facebook and TikTok asking the question "Should Malaysia ban TikTok?", a broad majority expressed their support for implementing a nationwide ban.
"By all means, yes. People today are so engrossed until the basic communication between humans today is neglected. I am seeing it and experiencing it," said Bavindh PV.
"Yes! I totally agree (for TikTok ban). There are too many explicit contents in there more than useful one. Not appropriate for kids," Sharifah Suhana Kamal wrote.
"The content that poses a threat to the nation needs to be filtered out," Yazed Dym Maharom said.
"What it needs is just regulation, as many other social media. Facebook is notorious for cutting out gore and violent content, Twitter doesn't allow children under 13 to use it, so I don't see why other social media shouldn't adapt that sort of filtering too," Intan Diana Fishal commented.
"TikTok is entertainment… a great to source for new ideas, news and business. It helps people to generate income through their business on TikTok," Surwinder Sandhu noted.
On NST Online TikTok, many said 'Yes' to a ban, with a handful pointing out that Meta and Twitter also collects users' data.
"Impose restrictions and ban vulgar contents," Premlatha Balakrishnan Nair commented.
"Please ban TikTok for those under 18 years," Jaychetti said.
Ihtas wrote: "Yes. Definitely (ban the app)! People are misusing this to spread hate, racism, gangsterism, and other negative activities."
Governments worldwide are intensifying their scrutiny of TikTok, citing concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and potentially harmful content.
NST in its recent coverage, shed light on the growing unease surrounding the app.
Experts cautioned that while there was no concrete evidence that TikTok was a national security threat, concerns are rooted in general distrust of China and awareness of Chinese espionage.
Academics and CyberSecurity Malaysia joined the discussion, raising questions about whether Malaysia should follow in the footsteps of other nations that have banned the app as well as whether TikTok is being unfairly targeted due to its ownership.
The New York Times on Wednesday exposed that employees of the Chinese-owned video app regularly post user information, including driver's licenses, addresses, and photos on an internal messaging and collaboration tool called Lark.
Further, it was reported that popular content on China's version of TikTok, known as Douyin, primarily revolves around educational content aimed at improving skills and personal growth, besides being used for consumer activism, while global TikTok tends to be more art-based.
The New Straits Times has reached out to Fahmi and TikTok Malaysia for comments on the matter.