Malaysia’s communications regulator has taken decisive legal action against messaging platform Telegram, securing an interim court order to halt the spread of content authorities allege could undermine public confidence in institutions and threaten societal stability. The move is part of the country’s broader strategy to combat the proliferation of harmful digital content and enforce new regulations on major tech platforms operating within its borders.

The action, spearheaded by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), reflects growing frustration over Telegram’s alleged non-responsiveness to repeated reports of content violations. The two targeted Telegram channels—“Edisi Siasat” and “Edisi Khas”—were flagged by authorities for hosting and disseminating materials deemed dangerous under Malaysia’s communications laws.

Legal Action Against Telegram

On Thursday, the MCMC confirmed that it had obtained a temporary injunction from a Malaysian high court against Telegram and the two channels accused of violating the country’s legal and ethical standards regarding online content.

According to the commission, the decision to pursue a legal route followed Telegram’s “serious failure” to act on content that had been reported multiple times. Authorities expressed concern that the messages circulated through the two channels had the potential to “undermine public trust in national institutions and disrupt societal harmony.”

The high court’s interim injunction prohibits further distribution of the harmful material and bars the reproduction of similar content on the platform. The court order is temporary in nature, pending further legal proceedings that will determine the final outcome of the case.

Background to the Dispute

Although the MCMC did not disclose the exact nature of the flagged content, officials emphasized that the decision was made in line with national interest and security considerations. In Malaysia, online content that is considered to be racially or religiously insensitive, offensive to the monarchy, or related to criminal activities such as online scams, cyberbullying, and child exploitation, is classified as harmful.

This legal challenge marks the first significant action against Telegram under the new digital regulation landscape introduced by the Malaysian government in early 2025.

Telegram Yet to Respond

Telegram, which is often touted for its encrypted messaging and privacy-focused approach, has not responded to media requests for comment regarding the court injunction. The platform has previously come under fire in various jurisdictions for failing to adequately moderate content and respond to reports of abuse, including the spread of extremist material and disinformation.

Despite being a popular communication tool in Malaysia and across the globe, Telegram’s decentralized structure and perceived lack of accountability have increasingly drawn the attention of regulators seeking to curtail the spread of dangerous digital content.

Ensuring Due Process

In its official statement, the MCMC reiterated its commitment to due process and fundamental rights, stating that Telegram would be given an opportunity to present its defense in court. The agency stressed that the legal proceedings would be conducted fairly and transparently in accordance with the principles of justice enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution.

The commission added that its primary objective is not to restrict freedom of speech, but to ensure that online platforms are not used to sow discord, mislead the public, or promote unlawful content that could destabilize society.

Malaysia’s New Social Media Licensing Law

The action against Telegram comes just months after the implementation of Malaysia’s new licensing requirement for social media and messaging platforms. Under the law introduced in January 2025, digital platforms with more than 8 million users in Malaysia must apply for an official operating licence or face legal penalties, including possible suspension of services and financial sanctions.

This legislation is part of Malaysia’s broader strategy to counteract rising cybercrime, misinformation, and the unchecked spread of harmful content. It represents one of the most robust attempts in Southeast Asia to establish a regulatory framework for digital platforms and enforce accountability.

Authorities have cited a surge in online scams, cyberbullying, online gambling, child pornography, and racially or religiously divisive content as reasons for tightening control over digital spaces.

Harmful Content and Public Safety

The government’s rationale for cracking down on Telegram is rooted in growing concern over the real-world impact of unregulated online content. According to the MCMC, harmful digital material has the potential to erode social cohesion, inflame tensions between communities, and damage the credibility of national institutions.

“Edisi Siasat” and “Edisi Khas”, the two channels targeted in the injunction, reportedly host a range of content including politically charged commentary, sensitive exposés, and allegations involving public figures and agencies. The commission believes that the nature of these posts could contribute to public distrust, social unrest, and reputational harm.

Legislators and Civil Society Weigh In

The new regulatory landscape and the legal move against Telegram have sparked debate among legislators and civil society groups in Malaysia. While some stakeholders have praised the government’s proactive stance on digital safety, others have raised concerns about potential overreach and the suppression of dissenting voices.

In a joint statement, state legislators Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Grace Lee—who were involved in drafting similar legislation in the U.S.—defended the legal move, saying that “the fact that Telegram would go to these lengths to avoid disclosing straightforward information to Malaysians shows why the law is necessary.”

Others, however, warn that such interventions must be carefully calibrated to protect constitutional freedoms while upholding public safety.

Regional and Global Context

Malaysia’s action against Telegram mirrors similar developments in other countries. Globally, governments have ramped up pressure on tech companies to take responsibility for content hosted on their platforms. Countries like India, Germany, Australia, and Indonesia have introduced or updated regulations requiring social media platforms to comply with local content laws or face bans, fines, or lawsuits.

Notably, Telegram has faced similar legal scrutiny in Germany and Brazil over the spread of extremist and illegal content. In some cases, the platform has agreed to cooperate with authorities, while in others, it has refused to share user data or censor content.

What Happens Next?

With the interim injunction now in place, Telegram must prepare to defend its practices in a Malaysian court. If the court rules in favor of the MCMC, it could set a precedent for broader enforcement of the new digital content regulations and possibly lead to tighter controls on digital platforms across the country.

For users in Malaysia, this case highlights the shifting landscape of digital governance and the growing emphasis on transparency, accountability, and responsible content management in the online space.

As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Telegram will comply with the regulatory demands or continue to resist pressure from national governments.

Conclusion

The court injunction against Telegram represents a pivotal moment in Malaysia’s effort to combat harmful digital content and enforce accountability from global tech platforms. With public safety, social cohesion, and democratic values at stake, the government is signaling that online freedoms must come with a framework for responsibility. As Malaysia leads the charge in Southeast Asia, the outcome of this legal case could influence how other nations approach the complex challenge of moderating digital spaces in the era of encrypted, cross-border communication.