What new law is proposed to tackle social media misuse?

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A New Law Proposed to Hold Social Media Platforms Accountable for Misuse

A proposal has been put forward for a new law that would assign responsibility for the misuse of social media, including instances of cyberbullying, directly to the owners of social media platforms. This initiative aims to create a more secure online environment and ensure accountability for the content and activities occurring on these platforms.
Responsibility Placed on Platform Owners

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has suggested the introduction of legislation that would make social media platform owners liable for the misuse of their services. This proposed law seeks to ensure that platforms are safeguarded in terms of cybersecurity and the protection of personal data, preventing them from being exploited. The intention is to signal the government's commitment to addressing cyberbullying and to underscore the significant role that all involved parties must play.
Cabinet Discussions on Cyberbullying

The issue of cyberbullying, particularly in light of recent events such as the death of TikTok influencer A. Rajeswari, was a topic of discussion during a Cabinet meeting. The proposal for the new law was brought forward by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, alongside Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. This discussion highlighted the urgency and seriousness with which the government views cyberbullying incidents.
Strengthening Existing Frameworks and Future Legislation

While existing legislation such as the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Penal Code, and the Computer Crimes Act are enforceable, the proposal for a new law indicates a move towards more specific and direct accountability for platform operators. The aim is to ensure that laws are drafted to prevent misuse and to facilitate swift action when incidents do occur, thereby strengthening the overall framework for managing online safety. The Ministry of Digital is supportive of efforts to enhance current laws or introduce new ones to tackle these issues effectively.

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What new law is proposed to tackle social media misuse?

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