THE rise of fake content on the internet is worrying Digital Penang Sdn Bhd, a government-linked company overseeing the digitalisation of the state economy and community.
Its chief executive officer Ng Kwang Ming said fake news has disrupted the agency's efforts to channel information to the people.
Digital Penang was established in April 2020 by the state government to spearhead initiatives for a digital economy and a digitally inclusive society.
Ng told the press at dinner last night to step up efforts to fight fake content, especially of the malicious and disruptive kind.
"We have an audience who can't tell fact from fiction due to the spread of misinformation and fake content," said Ng.
"There is also the need to speed up dissemination of the right content because the digital age is evolving with the arrival of artificial intelligence and the internet of things."
Digital Penang operations director Satnam Kaur said the agency was collaborating with trainers to provide courses for the uninformed, especially the elderly, to learn how to use apps and avoid being conned.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present at the event, said the state government hopes to establish better rapport with the media to help fight fake or harmful content.
Digital Penang also grooms and guides local start-ups.
It signed a memorandum of understanding with the Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad to provide financial education to Penang’s small- and medium-sized enterprises. – May 16, 2024.
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