MCMC drafts online safety rules for social media, ad verification required
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said among the key areas being considered is the requirement for social media platforms to verify the identity of advertisers, in line with practices adopted in countries such as Singapore and Taiwan.
"In Singapore, advertisers are now required to verify their identities before placing ads on social media platforms. In Taiwan, platforms must disclose who paid for and created the ad.
"We are studying these measures and, if found effective, they will be included in the upcoming online safety code," she said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Teo was responding to a supplementary question from Chong Chieng Jen (PH-Stampin) on whether the government plans to amend existing laws to make it mandatory for social media platforms to filter advertisements and be held accountable for victims' losses.
She said the urgent need for tighter regulation stems from the growing number of scam advertisements on social media, including those impersonating high-profile Malaysians.
To date, MCMC has received 121 reports of scam ads impersonating well-known individuals, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Sultan of Pahang, the Sultan of Selangor, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, and former Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.
"MCMC has also submitted 121 requests to Meta regarding advertisements impersonating high-profile individuals," she added.
Teo said she herself has been a victim of scam advertisements.
"Recently, Facebook ads falsely claimed that I am giving away 2,000 copies of the book Rich Dad Poor Dad for free.
"I asked MCMC to report this to Meta, yet the ads continue to appear. Even after MCMC issued notices identifying the advertisements as scams, Meta continued to allow scammers to publish second, third and even sixth versions of the same ad," she said.
Meanwhile, she said social media platforms removed 46,817 scam-related content pieces from January to July 15 this year, following requests by MCMC.
The takedowns were based on public complaints and each platform's community guidelines, in line with local laws.
"The number of scam content removals has seen a sharp year-on-year increase. In 2022, only 242 scam items were taken down. This rose significantly to 6,297 in 2023, and then surged to 63,652 last year."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Strive for change to the best of one's ability, Anwar reminds PKR members
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members to hold firmly to the call for islah mastata'tum, meaning to strive for change to the best of one's ability. Anwar, who is also PKR president, said this during a meeting with Federal Territories PKR members in Putrajaya today. "We may not be able to achieve everything in the blink of an eye, but we will continue to advance the reform agenda step by step," he said in a Facebook post. He said the Federal Territories have long stood as one of the strongholds of PKR's struggle, but the party's strength would only be meaningful if it continued to be grounded in core values and grassroots efforts. "Divisions must remain active through programmes that truly engage with the people, regardless of race, age or background," he said. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said that in charting the path forward, criticisms and reminders must be welcomed in the spirit of the struggle. "I thank all who gathered (for the rally in the federal capital) yesterday as it was conducted peacefully. "I am always open to criticism and feedback, although I'm slightly disappointed that no substantive issues were raised. "All we heard was one chant: "Turunkan Anwar" (Step down, Anwar)." "The Opposition Leader is said to be planning to table a motion of no confidence. By all means. "This is a democracy. It is a legitimate process. "If there are sufficient numbers, just bring it to parliament," he said. The prime minister added that he has never claimed the Madani government is perfect, nor is he arrogant about correcting its shortcomings. "What is lacking, we will improve. What remains unresolved, we will continue to work on. "But reform must be implemented in phases so that it can be accepted, understood, and sustained," he said. He said the government has also taken bold and rational steps to ensure that the nation's funds benefit the majority and help ease cost-of-living pressures, without compromising the country's economic fundamentals. "We reduced the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 for Malaysians by removing subsidies for foreigners. "Ultimately, PKR must remain a party of the future, a party open to criticism, mature in its actions, and united in purpose. "We are not perfect. But we are sincere. "And as long as there is sincerity and the will to improve, we will continue to move forward beyond those who only know how to shout without direction or solutions," he said. – Bernama
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Sunday (July 27, 2025)
Malaysia: * Judge the govt on facts, not political sentiment, Anwar urges Malaysians * Anwar defends petrol price reduction for Malaysians / Discourse fuels the country's progress, says Anwar * Security personnel discharged duties professionally during rally, says Saifuddin * RM10mil allocated for people-centric programmes in Muar, says Anwar * Cops question trio over RM1.8mil burglary at Dr M's grandchild's house * EAIC detects irregularities in issuance of medical visas * Government aims to reduce national debt, says Anwar * New Malaysian ambassador reaffirms ties with US * Let the Health DG handle Penang doctor molest case, says Health Minister * Two more officers detained over 'flying passport' scheme at CIQ Complex * Mentri Besar urges Federal Government to test Johor's financial management * Protests in KL are welcomed as it's good for local economy, say Nga * Taxi drivers to undergo language, etiquette training ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 * AI can unlock over US$113bil in productivity gains for Malaysia, says Gobind * Over RM6mil collected from transport companies with outstanding summonses, says JPJ * Sabah polls: GRS and Pakatan to continue electoral pact / GRS partners surprised over Hajiji's GRS-PH pact announcement Volunteers from the Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation (ECOTON) collect plastic waste from a mangrove swamp in Surabaya during the World Mangrove Day. -- Photo by Juni KRISWANTO / AFP Singapore: * Singapore only car washes will get business licences revoked, says Johor govt * Singapore skies may sparkle with two meteor showers in coming weeks * Tanjong Katong Road South in Singapore closed for repairs after car fell into sinkhole * Singaporean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 * New Singapore advisory cautions against use of electronic shock collars, prong collars on dogs * Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole in Singapore * Singapore photographer Lui Hock Seng, who had his first solo exhibition at 81, dies at 88 * Mum at 15: More teens in Singapore gave birth in 2024 Indonesia: * Indonesia's first high-speed railway is now transforming inbound travel and driving economic growth * Anwar to visit Indonesia for 13th Annual Consultation with Prabowo * Indonesia rushing to complete trade deals with Europe, Canada as a hedge against looming US tariff * Indonesian Govt to scrap rice quality classification to curb illegal blending * Asean to establish AI safety initiative * Violence haunts Indonesian children as state fails to provide care Farmer and village co-leader Keng Pitonam tows grass to feed his cows days after refusing to evacuate from his village despite it being designated a red zone for artillery strikes due to ongoing clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, in the Thai border province of Surin on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a fourth day on July 27, despite both sides saying they were ready to discuss a ceasefire after a late-night intervention by US President Donald Trump. -- Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP Thailand: * Thailand, Cambodia agree to Malaysia as mediator, talks in KL on July 28 * Thai man mourns wife and children killed in shelling near Cambodia border * South Korea raises travel alert on Cambodia-Thailand border clashes * Thai-Cambodia border shelling continues despite Trump's ceasefire call * Royal Thai Army reports Cambodian shelling outside military zones, vows to respond to threats * Thailand, Cambodia weigh peace talks after Trump's tariff threat * UN chief voices concern over Thai–Cambodian border clashes, urges immediate ceasefire * Trump says Thailand, Cambodia agree to hold immediate ceasefire talks * 'We are neighbours': fleeing Thais and Cambodians call for peace Philippines: * Philippine troops kill seven communist rebels in yet another flare-up of decades-long insurgency * Monsoon, storms affect nearly 400,000 in south-eastern Luzon in the Philippines * Philippine troops kill seven communist rebels in 'final push' in Masbate province * One year after ban, offshore gaming shadow still looms in the Philippines * Bid to impeach Sara voided by Philippines Supreme Court * Cyclones death toll in the Philippines surges to 30, seven others missing Protesters hold an indignation rally a day after the Supreme Court ruled the impeachment complaint against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional, in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. -- Photo: REUTERS/Lisa Marie David Vietnam: * Defending champions Vietnam to face host Indonesia in Asean U-23 football final * Vietnam's passport ranking rises to 84th in the world, unlocking new opportunities for global travel and integration * Criminal case opened after Vietnam's Ha Tinh bus crash kills 10, injures 15 * Bodies of all victims recovered in boat capsizing incident in Vietnam * Heavy flooding leaves two dead and another two people missing in North Vietnam Myanmar: * Myanmar to strengthen digital economy with 2030 roadmap * Fourteen out of 17 Myanmar prisoners pass university entrance exam with honours * Human control in AI race * US drops sanctions on junta allies after general lauds Trump Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, left, and Williams driver Alexander Albon of Thailand during the drivers parade prior to the Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack in Spa, Belgium, Sunday, July 27, 2025. -- AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert Cambodia: * Thailand, Cambodia clash despite ceasefire hopes * Cambodia-Thailand conflict: Monks, dancers and volunteers offer respite as violence escalates * Cambodia facing displacement crisis amid border conflict: Think-tank * Cambodian Culture ministry condemn continued Thai attacks on Preah Vihear Temple * Thailand-Cambodia clash: Border conflict bloodier than before Laos: * Laos urges vigilance as dengue risk rises amid persistent rainfall * Lao capital cracks down on illegal awnings, signs * 'Smart Customs' introduced to facilitate cross-border trade at Laos port Brunei: * Brunei and EU seek stronger trade and policy ties * Brunei's total trade hits BND1.8B in May * Banquet marks royal birthday in Brunei Gold medallists in the men's 4x100m freestyle relay swimming event Australia's swimmer Flynn Southam, Australia's swimmer Kai Taylor, Australia's swimmer Maximillian Giuliani and Australia's swimmer Kyle Chalmers, and gold medallists in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay swimming event Australia's swimmer Mollie O'Callaghan, Australia's swimmer Meg Harris, Australia's swimmer Olivia Wunsch, and Australia's swimmer Milla Jansen pose for a photo together during an awards ceremony at 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP) AseanPlus: * Uni student from China found dead in Sepang hostel * Asean's new dawn: Malaysia and the rise of Timor-Leste * UN aid chief welcomes 'humanitarian pauses' in Gaza * Anna Jobling, Malaysia's favourite next-door sweetheart, is back to tweak the hearts in 'Setia itu Mahal' * Chinese widow, 23, vows not to remarry, triggers mixed reaction, loyalty discourse * Preservation work begins on 1,800-year-old tombs in northern Mongolia * Hong Kong sees 12% YoY growth in tourist arrivals for first half of 2025 * Japan PM Ishiba signals intent to stay on despite calls to quit * 23 Hong Kong kindergartens plan to close by the end of school year * Father in South Korea dies after saving three children from drowning * UK made 'Armageddon scenario' plan for mass Hong Kong exodus in handover run-up * Could China's Tibet mega dam help boost its sway with South Asian neighbours? * 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' review: Fresh, fun, and free from the MCU's shadow * China, EU need to make the right choice as 'two big guys' on world stage, says Xi Jinping * New Zealand farmers battle pine forests to 'save our sheep' * Three drones detected in Japan nuclear plant * Rain in northern China kills two, forces thousands to relocate * Taiwan move to recall opposition lawmakers fails * At least 11 deaths linked to scorching heatwave in South Korea * At 70, Godzilla keeps on smashing expectations and buildings. * India seeks to take over island in strategically located Lakshadweep to shore up defence * Jeju Air jet still had a working engine when it crashed, investigation update says * Crowd surge at Hindu temple in northern India leaves at least six people dead * Final minutes of Jeju Air flight before South Korea's deadliest air disaster * More jobless college grads than middle school grads in South Korea for the first time * Indian tech company TCS to cut workforce by 2%, affecting more than 12,000 jobs * Australia's PM says easing of curbs on US beef not prompted by Trump * China and Russia relaunch maritime research missions, eyeing Arctic ambitions * Indian-origin man attacked with machete in Australia; hand reattached after near amputation * Open-air jet repair exposes Kathmandu airport's limitations * Bangladesh government aide pushes 5G project amid graft probe * Hundreds killed and injured in monsoon-related incidents across Pakistan in past month * Confusion over Kelantan team's rebranding draws FIFA's attention * Badminton: China make world ambition clear with four home titles in all-local finals / Aaron-Wooi Yik China Open hopes dashed in final
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Anwar urges PKR members to strive for change with sincerity
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members to remain steadfast in their commitment to islah mastata'tum—striving for change to the best of their ability. Speaking at a meeting with Federal Territories PKR members in Putrajaya, Anwar emphasised the importance of gradual yet persistent reform efforts. 'We may not achieve everything overnight, but we will advance the reform agenda step by step,' he said in a Facebook post. He highlighted the Federal Territories as a key stronghold for PKR but stressed that the party's strength must be rooted in core values and grassroots engagement. 'Divisions must stay active through programmes that connect with people of all races, ages, and backgrounds,' he added. Addressing recent political developments, Anwar welcomed criticism while expressing disappointment over the lack of substantive issues raised by protesters. 'I thank those who gathered peacefully yesterday, though I was slightly disappointed that the only chant was 'Turunkan Anwar.' If the Opposition Leader wishes to table a no-confidence motion, let him. This is a democracy,' he said. The Prime Minister acknowledged the government's imperfections but reiterated its commitment to improvement. 'What is lacking, we will fix. What remains unresolved, we will address. Reforms must be phased to ensure they are accepted and sustained,' he said. He cited the reduction of RON95 petrol prices for Malaysians as an example of bold yet rational policymaking. 'PKR must remain a forward-looking party—open to criticism, mature in action, and united in purpose. We are not perfect, but we are sincere. That sincerity will drive us forward,' Anwar concluded. – Bernama
