Post by : Rohit Dhiman

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has warned that legal action could be taken over an artificial intelligence-generated video showing former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad grieving following the death of his wife, Dr Hasmah Ali. The regulator is currently reviewing the video, which was uploaded to TikTok and subsequently attracted widespread attention online. MCMC said it has also contacted the relevant social media platforms as part of its assessment of the material.

Viral TikTok Video Draws MCMC Attention

The video at the centre of the controversy is a 27-second black-and-white clip posted by TikTok account @vinustudio.my. According to the report, the video had crossed 745,000 views and received more than 30,000 likes, along with thousands of shares. The footage combines authentic-looking images of Mahathir with AI-generated video sequences. It reportedly shows him wiping away tears before cutting to an artificial scene depicting him embracing Hasmah. Emotional background music was also added to the clip. The rapid spread of the video has raised questions about how viewers can distinguish genuine footage from digitally manipulated material, particularly when the content relates to a highly sensitive personal event. 

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What Is MCMC Investigating?

MCMC said it is examining whether the content breaches Malaysian law. The regulator indicated that enforcement action could be considered under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and other applicable laws if its review establishes a legal violation. The commission has not said that the video has already been found to breach the law. Instead, its current position is that the material remains under review and that the outcome of that process will determine whether further action is appropriate. MCMC has also reached out to social media platforms connected with the circulation of the material as authorities assess the circumstances surrounding the video.

Why AI Manipulation Has Become a Concern

The case highlights a growing issue surrounding AI-generated content, particularly when digital tools are used to recreate real people or place them in situations that did not actually occur. MCMC said manipulating genuine footage in a way that could mislead the public, change the original context or affect a person's dignity should not be treated lightly. The commission particularly highlighted the sensitivity of such material when it concerns someone experiencing personal loss. The regulator acknowledged that artificial intelligence can provide significant benefits to society. At the same time, it stressed that the technology needs to be used responsibly and should not become a means of distorting events or exploiting another person's grief.

Mahathir Had Recently Visited Hasmah's Grave

The AI video appeared at a particularly sensitive time for Mahathir and his family. Hasmah died at the age of 100, and Mahathir later visited her grave at Pusara Negara in Putrajaya. According to a separate report, Mahathir arrived with family members at around 11.05am and spent approximately 20 minutes at the grave. He was seen becoming emotional during the visit. Around 200 people were also present at Pusara Negara to pay their respects. The timing and subject matter of the AI video therefore made the distinction between authentic material and digitally created scenes particularly important.

MCMC Appeals for Responsible Use of AI

MCMC has urged members of the public not to create or circulate manipulated AI material involving real people, particularly when the content can misrepresent events or cause harm to an individual's dignity. The commission also encouraged users who encounter suspected manipulated content to report it directly to the relevant platforms or authorities. The case illustrates how deepfake technology and other forms of artificial intelligence can create convincing scenes involving public figures. As these tools become easier to use, regulators and social media companies are increasingly facing questions about how manipulated material should be identified, reported and handled. For now, MCMC's review remains ongoing. Any legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation and whether authorities determine that the content violated Malaysian law.

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