PETALING JAYA: The government will introduce a “kill switch” measure to enhance digital security and tackle cybercrimes, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the initiative is expected to be tabled in Parliament in the next session slated for October.
Strict measures: Govt has other initiatives to address online safety concerns, says Azalina
The kill switch aims to increase the responsibility of social media platform providers and Internet messaging services providers in combating cybercrimes such as online scams, cyberbullying, the spread of child pornography materials, and sexual harassment.
“This aligns with legal initiatives enforced in other countries,” she said in a statement yesterday.
Studies and public surveys are also being conducted to gather public sentiments on cybercrime.
Azalina also said the government had several other initiatives to address online safety concerns, including studies to amend the Criminal Procedure Code and Penal Code.
Among these initiatives is the International Legal Conference on Online Harms 2024, scheduled for Sept 5 and 6, conducted with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
“This conference is due to be attended by experts and known international advocates for social media accountability and transparency such as Frances Haugen and Dr Taylor Owen to discuss matters such as cybercrime, protection of children, social media regulatory issues as well as the rise of artificial intelligence,” she added.
