Malaysia is poised to unveil a significant new piece of legislation aimed at enhancing online safety, according to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform). Scheduled to be tabled in Parliament this October, the proposed law will introduce a ‘kill switch’ mechanism designed to bolster cybersecurity and combat a range of online crimes. This measure will impose greater responsibilities on social media and internet messaging service providers, requiring them to actively participate in the fight against online scams, cyberbullying, harassment, and the dissemination of illegal content such as child sexual abuse materials.
The new legislation aligns with global trends and legislative practices aimed at increasing accountability for online platforms. It reflects Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening its cyber defense infrastructure in response to growing concerns about online threats. As part of this initiative, the government is also preparing to license social media services starting January 1 of the following year, following the introduction of a new regulatory framework on August 1. This regulatory framework will include stricter oversight and compliance requirements for online service providers.
In conjunction with the new legislation, Malaysia will host the International Legal Conference on Online Harms on September 5-6, 2024. This conference, co-organized by the Legal Affairs Division, the Ministry of Communications, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, will bring together leading experts and advocates, including Frances Haugen and Dr. Taylor Owen. The event will focus on discussing pressing issues related to online safety, such as child protection, cybercrime, and the impact of artificial intelligence on social media regulation.
The Malaysian government is also undertaking a review of the Penal Code to better define and classify cyberbullying offenses. This review, which includes proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, aims to ensure that laws concerning cyberbullying are robust and enforceable. Additionally, Universiti Sains Malaysia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), will conduct a public opinion survey to gather insights on online safety concerns. This survey will help inform the development of comprehensive and relevant regulations to protect all levels of society effectively.
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