Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has proposed the introduction of a new law to hold social media platform owners accountable for misuse, including cyberbullying. This comes in response to the tragic death of TikTok influencer A Rajeswari, known as Esha, who allegedly took her own life due to cyberbullying.
Gobind emphasized the need for a clear signal that cyberbullying is taken seriously and that all stakeholders must play a role in tackling this issue. He stated that while existing laws, such as the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Penal Code and the Computer Crimes Act, are enforceable, additional measures are needed to ensure the safety of internet platforms.
We need to ensure that platforms are safe not only in terms of cybersecurity and personal data protection but also to prevent misuse by any party, Gobind said.
He added that immediate action should be taken in cases of cyberbullying or other forms of internet misuse.
In a recent Cabinet meeting, Gobind discussed the rising cases of cyberbullying with Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Law and Institutional Reform Minister Azalina Othman Said. The discussion was prompted by the recent cyberbullying incident involving Esha, which led to her death.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his disappointment over the incident and has directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police to take stern action against cyberbullying cases. Fahmi Fadzil reiterated the prime minister’s stance, stating that the government is committed to strengthening existing laws or introducing new ones to address cyberbullying effectively.
Gobind’s proposal aims to make social media platform owners more accountable, ensuring swift action is taken to prevent misuse and protect users from cyberbullying. The Digital Ministry is willing to collaborate with other relevant ministries to draft and implement these new regulations.
The new law is expected to place greater responsibility on social media companies to monitor and control abusive behavior on their platforms. This initiative underscores the Malaysian government’s dedication to creating a safer online environment for all users.
Sources: Malay Mail , FMT
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