A TOTAL of 32,676 posts containing fraud and scam content were removed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) between January and 15 August, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said.
According to reports in Bernama, Teo said this marks a significant increase from the 6,297 posts removed in 2023.
She also revealed that Malaysia lost RM3.18 billion to online scams between 2021 and April 2024, but believes the actual figure may be much higher.
"The increasing number of cases and associated losses demonstrate the rising prevalence of cybercrime at an alarming rate, despite continued efforts and engagement with social media platform providers," she said.
Given that social media platforms are becoming the primary domain for AI-generated content and viable alternatives are becoming scarce, Teo believes it is time to reconsider classifying them as public utilities.
"This means platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok could be treated as essential services, similar to water, electricity, or internet providers," she said.
She made these remarks in her keynote address at the 19th Asia Media Summit and Associated Meetings themed ‘Media: The New Odyssey’ at Brickfields Asia College in Petaling Jaya today.
In today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, Teo said media practitioners must navigate a complex terrain shaped by AI.
"While the technology has enormous potential for positive societal change, it also carries significant risks, particularly in the realm of misinformation and disinformation.
"Thus, as AI technology advances at a rapid pace, effective management and regulation are required to ensure that the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks," she added. – September 3, 2024.
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