More than 30,000 fraud and scam content removed by MCMC this year

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The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has removed 32,676 fraud and scam content this year so far.

Deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching said Malaysia had lost more than RM3.18 billion from 2021 to April 2024 as a result of fraud.

In addition, the minister said that AI is transforming the media landscape, however, it poses risks such as misinformation, deepfake and online scams.

Don't miss: MCMC to meet social media giants amid AI and deepfake worries

These scams, according to Teo in a statement on Facebook, also affect prominent figures in Malaysia.

These prominent figures include singer Siti Nurhaliza, influencer Khairul Aming and other leaders.

As such, to address these concerns, the MCMC has removed more than 32,676 fraudulent pieces of content and will be establishing a regulatory framework to license social media services, said Teo.

Speaking to media at the 19th Asia Media Summit and Associated Meetings, the minister reportedly said that it is time to reconsider classifying social media platforms as public utilities similar to water, electricity and internet providers.

She reportedly said the reclassification would subject these platforms to government regulation and ensure the protection of users.

The licensing framework for social media and instant messaging platforms could also help with addressing issues such as misinformation, privacy breaches and the spread of harmful material, Teo reportedly said.

If left unchecked, these threats could fuel geopolitical tensions, societal polarisation and individual harm, the minister reportedly added.

The ministry of communications will also be pushing forward a Media Council Bill which will empower the media to self-regulate and uphold journalistic integrity, added the minister.

The minister also said that a trusted media is crucial to democracy and that the bill will help set higher standards.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the MCMC will hold an engagement session with social media giants Meta, Telegram and TikTok this month.

Teo reportedly said that the meeting aims to discuss standard operating procedures (SOPs) and establish cooperation with social media platforms to ensure that personal data is not misused.

Teo said that stricter and effective SOPs are crucial to enable the MCMC and the Royal Malaysia Police to carry out investigations and that technological advancements and AI have enabled scammers to spread explicit images and content involving children, reported Bernama.

Speaking to reporters at a movie-watching programme with Kulai residents on Sunday, Teo reportedly expressed hope that through the engagement session, social media platforms will implement self-regulation to manage criminal content.

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