Court rejects Na’im’s bid to challenge TikTok account blocks

The Kuala Lumpur High Court has dismissed a bid by Bersatu Youth leader Na’im Brundage to challenge the blocking of his TikTok accounts. Judge Norliza Othman ruled that the decision to censor the accounts was made by the social media platform TikTok, not the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Na’im had sought leave for a judicial review, arguing that MCMC had directed TikTok to ban the accounts.

However, the court found that MCMC had only notified TikTok of alleged violations of its community guidelines, which TikTok subsequently acted upon. Na’im discovered the account blocks in 2023 but filed the application on June 24, 2024. He stated that the accounts were used to express his views on current issues. The respondents, including MCMC and its chief, argued that MCMC had only taken administrative action by notifying TikTok.

The court dismissed the application, stating that MCMC's action was not subject to judicial review. Na’im plans to appeal the decision.