Malaysia to Regulate Social Media to Tackle Cyber Threats

Malaysia Mulls New Act to Regulate Social Media, Combat Cyber Threats Malaysia is considering a new act to strengthen its regulation of social media platforms and address the growing threat of cybercrime. The announcement was made by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who stated that the government is "seriously considering" proposals to amend existing legislation. The move comes amid increasing concerns about the spread of misinformation and harmful content online. Minister Fadzil emphasized the need to balance freedom of expression with the need to protect citizens from online harm. He highlighted the government's commitment to creating a safer digital environment for Malaysians. The proposed act is expected to include provisions for greater transparency and accountability from social media companies, as well as measures to combat cyberbullying and hate speech. Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), further elaborated on the government's approach. She stated that the government is reviewing existing laws, including considering parental monitoring of children's online activity. "We are looking at a holistic approach," she said, "that includes empowering parents to play a more active role in protecting their children online." The government's initiative has been met with a mixed reaction from the public. While some welcome the move to curb online abuse, others express concerns about potential restrictions on freedom of speech. The government has assured that it will carefully consider all viewpoints before finalizing the proposed legislation. This development underscores the ongoing global debate on the regulation of social media and the challenges of balancing online freedom with the need to protect users from harm. The outcome of Malaysia's deliberations will undoubtedly have implications for other countries grappling with similar issues.