“MCMC Studying Legal Measures To Curb ‘Immoral’ Dating Apps” — Fahmi Fadzil

MCMC has blocked access to the apps Grindr and Blued.

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Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that the ministry, together with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is exploring ways to curb "immoral" dating apps

"MCMC is currently studying several legal measures to curb these apps," Fahmi said in his written parliamentary reply on 24 February to Padang Terap member of parliament Nurul Amin Hamid.

Nurul Amin had asked whether the regulatory body had taken any action to block Malaysians from downloading dating apps that promote "immoral" content.

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Image via New Straits Times / Bernama

Fahmi confirmed that MCMC has blocked two dating apps, Grindr and Blued, after they were found promoting and distributing immoral content

He warned that any app, including dating apps, that promotes and distributes "immoral" content could face action by MCMC.

According to the New Straits Times, he revealed that the regulatory body is currently exploring legal avenues to further restrict such platforms.

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Dating apps promoting "immoral" content may be blocked.

Image via Anna Shvets / Pexels

Fahmi explained that while the websites of Grindr and Blued are restricted, MCMC has not yet formally requested Google or Apple to delist the apps from their stores

The response followed queries about the government's collaboration with foreign tech giants to block apps catering to same-sex relationships.

Control over these digital marketplaces remains complex, as platforms — like the Google Play Store and Apple App Store — operate under the jurisdiction of foreign companies.

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Image via New Straits Times

Fahmi said the ministry remains committed to "proactive monitoring" to ensure the local digital landscape remains free from content that violates Malaysian law

The commission's mandate includes acting against any functionality or content that involves the distribution of obscene, immoral material, fraud, or threats to public safety.

Fahmi stressed that if any dating app is found to be facilitating illegal activities, MCMC will not hesitate to intervene.

Intervention measures include submitting removal requests to platform providers, or restricting access to specific services.

Relevant information regarding these violations will be forwarded to enforcement agencies, such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), for further investigation.

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