Meta Under Scrutiny: MCMC Inquiry into Fraudulent Ads & Online Gambling Profits
The digital landscape in Malaysia is facing increased scrutiny as the Malaysian Communications adn Multimedia Commission (MCMC) prepares to summon Meta – the parent company of Facebook and Instagram – for answers.A recent Reuters report alleging that Meta profited from advertisements linked to online fraud and illegal online gambling has sparked serious concern, prompting a formal investigation. This isn’t just about a single company; it’s about protecting Malaysian citizens from increasingly sophisticated scams and upholding the integrity of our digital ecosystem. Are you concerned about the prevalence of scams on social media? This article dives deep into the MCMC’s response, the scale of the problem, and what it means for you.
H2: The Allegations & MCMC’s Response to Meta’s Practices
The core of the issue lies in accusations that meta knowingly allowed advertisements promoting fraudulent schemes and illegal gambling activities to run on its platforms, generating revenue in the process. The MCMC views these allegations as a potential breach of public trust and a violation of Malaysian law. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has already voiced his concerns, and the MCMC is now initiating a full investigation.
The MCMC isn’t holding back in its assessment. They’ve advised Meta to take more proactive steps to combat these issues, stating that current efforts are demonstrably insufficient. This isn’t simply a request for improvement; it’s a demand for tangible change. But what exactly does “proactive” look like? We’ll explore that further.
H2: scale of the Problem: Takedown Requests & Platform Comparison
The numbers paint a stark picture. Between January 1st and November 4th, 2025, the MCMC submitted a staggering 157,208 takedown requests to Meta regarding advertisements promoting illegal activities. A significant portion – 44,922 requests – specifically targeted fraudulent advertisements. This is the highest number of takedown requests issued to any platform.
here’s a comparative overview:
| Platform | Takedown Requests (Jan 1 – Nov 4, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Meta (Facebook & Instagram) | 157,208 |
| TikTok | 3,956 |
| Telegram | 269 |
| X (formerly Twitter) | 11 |
| youtube | 45,4
Worth a look |