Today's top Malaysian news, sport and lifestyle.
YouTube has appealed a groundbreaking jury verdict that found the platform partly responsible for a 20-year-old woman's social media addiction and mental health decline. The case could reshape how tech companies face accountability.
The British government has announced plans for a default midnight curfew on social media for teenagers aged 16 and 17, following its earlier ban proposal for under-16s. Tech companies will face legal requirements and regulatory sanctions.
Malaysia's armed forces have concluded that viral social media allegations linking a soldier to rape and sexual offences are factually unfounded, calling for complaints to follow legitimate channels rather than online platforms.
A UK government-commissioned study of 309 households found that teenagers reported significant improvements in sleep, concentration and wellbeing when social media use was restricted, though enforcement proved challenging.
Australia's eSafety Commissioner has uncovered a surge in sexual extortion cases targeting young men through social media, with over 2,200 complaints in six months. Instagram and WhatsApp are the primary platforms used by criminals.
Meta has appealed a landmark Los Angeles verdict that found its platforms deliberately designed to addict young users, challenging a US$3 million damages award and threatening similar litigation.
Authorities in Kangar have apprehended a content creator on suspicion of raping and photographing a 14-year-old girl at a private residence, raising fresh concerns about predatory behaviour targeting young people online.
A 23-year-old man in southwestern China has been detained and banned from social media after parachuting from a residential building to boost his online following. Police say the stunt endangered public safety.
The European Commission has concluded that Meta's Instagram and Facebook employ deliberately addictive design features that disproportionately harm minors, potentially triggering fines exceeding €12 billion and forcing platform redesigns across EU territories.
Authorities are investigating a viral video documenting a violent altercation between two students at a Rawang school, with the Selangor Education Department offering full cooperation in the probe.
Malaysia's Election Commission announced plans to examine instances of voters posting photographs of completed ballots online, raising concerns about electoral integrity and potential violations of voting regulations.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph4nz7cg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph4nz7cp)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EDOE%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
The Department of Environment has firmly denied creating or endorsing a viral social media infographic ranking Malaysian states by cleanliness, urging the public to verify official information through authorized channels only.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph5j07cg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph5j07cp)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EJKM%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Malaysia's Social Welfare Department has issued a formal warning against the disclosure of children's identities on digital platforms, following a recent viral school incident. Violations carry penalties of up to RM10,000 or five years imprisonment.
As Johor's state election approaches, candidates from major coalitions are mounting aggressive digital campaigns across Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and X, focusing on youth engagement and reaching undecided voters in the final 72 hours.
Malaysia's Communications Minister has called on social media platform operators to take stronger action against election-related misinformation, particularly on polling day. Enforcement efforts must accelerate to prevent voter confusion.
Social media influencer Marissa Dania has firmly rejected suggestions that she has marginalised her mother Abby Abadi in favour of her father Norman Hakim and stepmother Memey Suhaiza.
Police have cautioned Malaysians against resharing an old dispute concerning dawn azan complaints in Sungai Buloh, which has recently gained traction across social media platforms.
Police have cautioned the public against resharing an old controversy concerning claims that dawn prayers were disrupting sleep in Sungai Buloh, following its recent viral spread online.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph5eqzzg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23ph5eqzzp)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22320%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3ETen%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Tawau police have arrested 10 teenage boys following a viral social media video depicting the assault of four school students. The incident has ignited public anger and raised fresh concerns about youth violence and bullying in Malaysia.
Chinese football fans have taken to social media to criticize Paraguay's aggressive tactics during their World Cup round-of-16 loss to France, with many wishing that renowned Chinese referee Ma Ning had officiated the match instead.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has distanced itself from claims that an individual featured in a viral social media post is employed by the anti-graft agency, issuing a formal denial to address widespread online speculation.
Malaysia's Communications Ministry is assessing whether social media platforms licensed locally are meeting requirements under the Online Safety Act 2025, which took effect in June. The evaluation focuses on two key codes designed to protect children and reduce online harms.
Australia's government has condemned parliamentary delays to legislation that would strengthen the eSafety Commissioner's enforcement powers against social media platforms breaching the nation's ban on under-16s holding accounts, introduced in December.
A Melaka-based online seller has appeared in court facing charges related to possessing pornography and circulating fake nude photographs of a woman via social media platforms last month.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has alerted voters in Johor to watch for digital manipulation, including fraudulent social media accounts impersonating candidates and spreading false information during the state election campaign.
TikTok has reached a settlement with a Florida teenager in a significant social media addiction lawsuit, leaving Meta and Snapchat as the remaining defendants in a trial beginning July 27 in Los Angeles.
FIFA's social media monitoring uncovered a dramatic 13-fold increase in online abuse during the World Cup group stage, with racial harassment accounting for 11% of detected offensive posts—a worrying trend for football governance.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met legendary bodybuilder Dexter Jackson, a nine-time Arnold Classic winner and former Mr Olympia champion, sharing the moment on Facebook with characteristic humour.
TikTok has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by a 15-year-old Florida teenager alleging the platform's addictive design damaged his mental health. The settlement comes as social media companies face thousands of similar cases across US courts.
TikTok has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by a minor claiming the platform harmed his mental health. The agreement, reached ahead of a second major trial in California, marks continued legal pressure on social media companies over youth wellbeing.
Three Netherlands players who missed penalties in their World Cup loss to Morocco have been subjected to racist abuse on social media, prompting the Dutch football association to file a formal complaint with authorities.
The US House passed legislation requiring tech platforms to implement safety measures for children, including age verification and parental controls. However, senators are pushing for stricter provisions holding companies legally accountable for harmful content.
Australia is introducing legislation to strengthen its under-16 social media ban by empowering its internet regulator with expanded court powers to pursue non-compliant tech companies, marking a significant regulatory escalation.
A 19-year-old French national in Singapore is expected to plead guilty on July 13 to charges of mischief and public nuisance after allegedly licking a straw from a juice vending machine, filming it, and posting the video online.
Indonesia has successfully pressured TikTok and YouTube into deactivating 4.7 million accounts belonging to children under 16, marking a significant escalation in the country's battle against online harms to minors.
Police have initiated an investigation into alleged social media statements by former Umno veteran Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, following 153 reports filed nationwide in response to controversial remarks.
Malaysia's Communications Minister announced that the Child Protection Code requires social media platforms to implement secure age-verification systems. Only users aged 16 and above may create accounts under the 'Tunggu 16' initiative.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that social media platforms failing to implement age-verification mechanisms under Malaysia's Online Safety Act 2025 could face penalties reaching RM10 million, with MCMC empowered to enforce compliance.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin says momentum is building across Europe for restricting children's social media access, with the European Commission preparing formal proposals ahead of Ireland's EU presidency.
The European Commission is preparing to formally escalate its investigation into Meta, alleging that Facebook and Instagram use manipulative design tactics to addict children. The probe could result in fines up to 6% of global revenue.
YouTube has settled a lawsuit filed by a minor alleging the platform caused mental health damage, with terms kept confidential. The resolution comes as over 5,900 cases against social media companies mount across California courts.
The European Commission is intensifying its investigation into Meta, preparing preliminary findings that accuse Facebook and Instagram of employing design tactics deliberately engineered to addict young users to their platforms.
%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fpattern%3E%3C%2Fdefs%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23phtmgbg)%22%2F%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%25%22%20height%3D%22100%25%22%20fill%3D%22url(%23phtmgbp)%22%2F%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22central%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.95)%22%20font-family%3D%22Georgia%2C%20'Times%20New%20Roman'%2C%20serif%22%20font-weight%3D%22700%22%20font-size%3D%22226%22%20letter-spacing%3D%22-0.02em%22%3EPolice%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
The Royal Malaysia Police has initiated disciplinary proceedings against an officer whose actions generated significant attention on Chinese social platforms. The IGP stressed that all personnel must uphold professional standards.
Johor police are investigating an assault incident at a Gelang Patah food stall after footage of the attack circulated widely on social media platforms.
Malaysia's Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran has advocated for enhanced mother-tongue education among young people, arguing that linguistic proficiency strengthens cultural understanding and reduces divisive 3R issues spreading across social media platforms.
A US appeals court has reinstated Ohio's parental notification law for social media, requiring companies to obtain parental consent before minors access platforms. The decision marks a significant legal victory for child protection advocates amid mounting regulatory pressure on tech firms.
A Thai court has sentenced a man to 18 months imprisonment for a Facebook comment deemed defamatory towards the monarchy, highlighting ongoing concerns about freedom of expression in Thailand.
Malaysia's Minister in the Prime Minister's Department has called on local authorities to take greater ownership of public facility maintenance, particularly in tourism destinations like Putrajaya, rather than waiting for viral social media complaints.
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris has firmly rejected responsibility for a poster about registering 'saudara baharu' that spread across social media, emphasising the material was never approved by university leadership.
PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden has directed his legal team to pursue action against a Bersatu leader over a Facebook post he says insulted his father and family.
Florida has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, claiming the platform violates state law by permitting underage children to open accounts and exposing them to inappropriate content. The case centers on compliance with a 2025 law banning social media accounts for users under 14.