Kuala Lumpur, 26th July 2024 - Experts have called for enhanced efforts to tackle the increasing rate of cybercrimes, emphasising the need for closer collaboration with social media platform operators and the enactment of more stringent laws. They also believe that with access to explicit content such as pornography now at a “critical level”, it is time to get tougher on social media platforms that consistently
refuse to comply with Malaysian laws.
Communications Minister, Tuan Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil, on Wednesday said, social media platform X was the least compliant with Malaysian laws, scoring only 25 per cent in the first half of the year due to issues like cyberbullying and pornographic content.
Telegram followed with 65 per cent and TikTok at 76 per cent.
He said the cabinet had agreed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Attorney-General's Chambers and the police would review these issues and take action.
Professor Dr. Siti Aisyah Panatik Abdul Rahman from Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said, the availability and access to pornographic content on social media were at a critical level.
“Early exposure to pornography can disrupt the natural sexual development of children and adolescents. They may develop an incorrect understanding of sexual relationships and related social norms.
“Additionally, children and adolescents exposed to pornography can experience feelings of guilt, shame or anxiety because they lack the understanding of what they see.”
This exposure, she said, could also negatively impact their academic performance as their focus and motivation to study would be disrupted.
“There has to be stricter action on social media platforms that continue to ignore Malaysian laws. Hopefully, this can protect our children from being exposed to unhealthy elements.”
Read further on the New Straits Times’ article attached.
