MCMC investigates WhatsApp account hacks and clarifies regulatory role

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating public complaints regarding hacked, blocked, or inaccessible WhatsApp accounts. The commission has referred these cases to Meta for clarification and appropriate action. MCMC clarified that account compromise and account blocking are distinct issues; compromised accounts may be misused for scams or spam, which can subsequently lead to the platform blocking the account.

Users are advised to use official WhatsApp channels for account recovery and are cautioned against sharing verification codes or security PINs. MCMC also recommends activating Two-Step Verification and avoiding suspicious links. The commission warned against third-party services offering account recovery in exchange for fees or personal information.

Separately, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil addressed concerns regarding the MCMC's role, stating the commission is not a political tool for suppressing free speech but a regulator intended to ensure digital safety. He noted that content removal on platforms like Facebook or TikTok is determined by the service providers themselves based on community guidelines and legal reviews, rather than direct decisions by the minister or the MCMC.