MY digital minister proposes new law to hold social platforms accountable for cyberbullying

Malaysian digital minister Gobind Singh Deo is proposing a new law to hold social media platforms accountable for abuse on its platform, including cyberbullying. 

In a statement posted on Facebook, the minister said that he, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil and minister of law and institutional reformation Azalina Othman have raised the issue of increasing cyberbullying measures following the recent death of TikTok influencer A. Rajeswari during a cabinet meeting held on Friday (12 July). 

During which, the minister said that cyberbullying cases must be taken seriously and addressed immediately and that laws should be enacted to prevent any misuse of it. 

Don't miss: Malaysian govt set to license and regulate social media, messaging apps

Such existing laws include the Communications and Multimedia Act, Torture Law and the Computer Errors Act, said Deo. 

In addition, he proposed that new laws also need to be considered to place liability on platform owners to ensure that no abuse occurs and if any, immediate actions can be taken to prevent such situations from continuing. 

Deo said that the Malaysian government needs to send a clear signal that it is serious about finding a solution to the problem and that all parties involved have a vital role to play. 

He ended the statement by stating that his ministry will support Fahmi's efforts to strengthen further existing legislation or introduce new laws in that direction in the future. 

He added that his ministry is also available to help in the matter if any assistance is needed, that he believes that the authorities will take appropriate action and that justice will be served for the victims. 

Last month, it was reported that Malaysia could soon see a much more restricted social media landscape with the implementation of a new licensing regime.

The license was reportedly aimed at facilitating revenue-sharing with local content producers and to end harmful and illegal content online. It would also involve platforms such as Meta, Google, TikTok and X as well as a host of other platforms with more than eight million Malaysian users. 

However, several industry and civil society representatives who attended meetings chaired by regulatory body Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commision (MCMC), have painted a different picture. 

According to The Straits Times, sources said that ideas such as a kill switch to take down content, forcing licensees to allow their content moderation and algorithm processes to be audited, as well as having an entity domiciled in Malaysia that would be subjected to penalties under local law were also discussed. 

The licensing proposal was reportedly approved in April this year and was slated to be announced in July, but feedback from stakeholders likely pushed back the timeline. 

Gear up for the most captivating PR conference of the year! #PRAsia #Singapore &  #Malaysia returns, bringing you the tools and insights you need to dominate in this dynamic environment. Join over 100 industry leaders and experts for an action-packed program filled with insightful discussions and valuable takeaways.

Related articles: 
Don't use social media to argue, shame others, says MY King   
MCMC investigating 'Bola Tribe' account over insensitive social media posts  
Not all social media content removed on govt's request, said minister Teo Nie Ching