MCMC blocks 3,150 social media posts with scam elements

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 3,150 social media posts containing elements of fraud and phishing were blocked by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) from Jan 1 to Sept 30, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said the action involved 1,471 websites, 2,871 Facebook posts, 254 WhatsApp messages, 13 Instagram posts, 11 Telegram messages, and a TikTok video.

“MCMC may have limited powers to investigate fraud cases, but it has the authority to delete or take down any fraudulent content when it receives information from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

“MCMC will always work closely with PDRM to ensure that we can provide immediate assistance to fraud victims,” she said in response to Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH-Bandar Tun Razak) during the question-and-answer session on Thursday (Oct 12).

Dr Wan Azizah wanted to know the law enforcement measures in place to combat cyber threats, as criminals are currently employing artificial intelligence to hack passwords, leak information and deceive users, resulting in data breaches and financial losses.

As a proactive step to address cyber threats, Teo said the Communications and Digital Ministry, through the Personal Data Protection Department, was looking into amending the Personal Data Protection Act 2010.

She said among the proposed amendments were requiring data users to appoint a data protection officer, reporting data leakage incidents to the personal data protection commissioner, and increasing the penalties for data users and data processors.

“At the same time, the department is planning to develop artificial intelligence guidelines to control and minimise the rate of access or use of AI related to personal data,” she said.

Teo also said the National Cyber Security Agency was in the midst of drafting a Bill that aims to implement measures against cyber crime in line with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 or the Criminal Procedure Code. – BK