Deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching said Malaysians lost a reported RM3.18 billion to online scams between 2021 and April 2024, but she believes the actual figure may be much higher.
She also said the increasing number of cases and associated losses demonstrate the alarming rise in cybercrime, despite continued efforts and engagement with social media platform providers.
Given that social media platforms are becoming the primary domain for AI-generated content and viable alternatives are becoming scarce, Teo said 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 at the 19th Asia media summit here today.
“This reclassification would subject these platforms to government regulations, ensuring better protection of user rights and the mitigation of harmful content.
“Similar to the oversight of traditional utilities, a licensing framework for social media and instant messaging platforms could help address issues like misinformation, privacy breaches and the spread of harmful material.”
Teo said that in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, media professionals must navigate a complex terrain shaped by AI.
However, while the technology has enormous potential for positive societal change, it also carries significant risks, particularly in the realm of misinformation and disinformation.
If left unchecked, she said these threats can fuel geopolitical tensions, societal polarisation and individual harm, including scams and privacy invasions facilitated by deepfake technology and cyberbullying.
Teo cited a few prominent Malaysians, including Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Siti Nurhaliza, Lee Chong Wei and Khairul Aming, whose likeness had been exploited in scams to trick victims into handing over money or personal information.
As AI technology advances at a breakneck pace, she said seffective management and regulation are required to ensure that the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.