Latest news with #CommunicationsandMultimediaAct1998
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
MCMC: Facebook removes viral audio clip for policy violation
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said that an audio clip, allegedly recorded during an internal meeting and widely circulated online, was removed by Facebook (Meta) for violating the platform's content policies. In a statement today, MCMC said the removal was made entirely based on Meta's community guidelines and content standards. The commission added that monitoring and investigations were initiated following public complaints. "MCMC takes seriously the act of uploading or sharing audio or video content without consent, especially when it potentially violates privacy, contains offensive material, spreads misinformation, or causes unnecessary distress to those involved. "We urge all parties to exercise greater caution when sharing content on digital platforms," the statement read. MCMC further cautioned that the dissemination of unauthorised or provocative content may result in legal action under existing laws, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Accountability matters in age of influence
AMID growing concern over attention-seeking stunts and misleading digital content, the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) is calling for greater accountability from influencers and content creators across platforms. Influence does not just attract followers, it can activate real emotions, real reactions, and sometimes, real consequences. While many create to entertain or inform, others may use their platforms to provoke, manipulate or even weaponise their audience. Misleading narratives, staged scenarios and undisclosed promotions can lead to confusion, distress or trigger public reactions far beyond the screen. In some cases, influence is used not just to gain attention, but to attack, deceive or deflect accountability. When content crosses into that territory, the damage is no longer digital, it becomes real. Understanding the line between content and conduct While storytelling is a vital part of digital creativity, creators must distinguish between entertainment and manipulation. When content mimics crisis, danger or trauma – without context or disclosure – audiences are drawn into a version of reality that may not exist. Accountability does not end online – law still applies Examples from around the world have shown that digital stunts – whether faking emergencies, impersonating officials or creating dangerous public scenes – can and do result in prosecution. In Malaysia, acts that mislead or alarm the public may fall under laws addressing public mischief, misuse of communication networks or false reporting. Integrity is real currency of influence; not controversy Content Forum is an industry forum registered under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and designated by the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to oversee and promote self-regulation of content over the electronic networked medium. The Content Forum consists of key players in the content industry, such as advertisers, advertising agencies, broadcasters, content creators/distributors, audiotext hosting service providers, advertising agencies, internet service providers and civic groups. As Malaysia's self-regulatory body under the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Content Forum represents a broad spectrum of stakeholders – from platforms and broadcasters to advertisers, creatives and civil society. Members agree that the long-term health of the content ecosystem depends on creators who understand the difference between attention and integrity. What the public can do Viewers are encouraged to engage critically with what they see online: • Pause before sharing: Ask yourself if the content is factual, exaggerated or harmful. • Question motives: Is this post informing or just provoking a reaction? • Don't reward dishonesty: Avoid boosting content that plays on fear or falsehood. • Report responsibly: Use platform tools to flag content that deceives or endangers. • Expect better: Hold creators to higher standards – for both creativity and credibility. Content Forum has joined the Priority Flagger programme across both Google and YouTube to reinforce Malaysia's efforts in creating a safer digital environment in Malaysia. The Priority Flagger Programme was introduced as a way for participating local government agencies and non-governmental organisations to flag potentially harmful or problematic content on certain Google products and services. Due to their specialised industry knowledge across a variety of subject matters, these organisations have a higher degree of accuracy when flagging violative content. Operating under the purview of the MCMC, the Content Forum serves as a self-regulatory industry body promoting responsible content practices across electronic networked media. As part of the Priority Flagger programme, Content Forum will extend its expertise to help identify potentially policy-violating content across YouTube and Google, taking into consideration local cultural contexts. As a participating organisation, they will gain access to a dedicated intake channel to inform Google of potential policy violations, which will be prioritised for review, as well as participate in discussions and feedback about Google and YouTube content policies. Google government affairs and public policy manager for Malaysia and Indonesia Arianne Santoso (left) and Content Forum CEO Mediha Mahmood commemorate the onboarding of Content Forum into its Google and YouTube Priority Flagger Programs.
Barnama
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Public Consultation On Proposed Regulatory Framework For Communications Data Begins
CYBERJAYA, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today commenced the Public Consultation on the Proposed Regulatory Framework for Retention, Preservation, and Disclosure of Communications Data for Investigation Purposes (Proposed Regulatory Framework). In today's statement, the MCMC said that the initiative follows recent amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998), with the introduction of sections 252A, 252B, and 268A, which came into force in February. It said that the new provisions provide a legislative basis for the retention, preservation, and disclosure of communications data in support of criminal investigations. 'In an era where online threats such as scams, fraud, cyberbullying, and harassment are becoming increasingly frequent and complex, it is vital for law enforcement agencies to have timely access to accurate and reliable data to assist in their investigation. 'Such access is crucial in ensuring public safety and safeguarding national security,' read the statement. It stated that the Proposed Regulatory Framework aims to enhance the investigative capabilities of law enforcement agencies, provide clear legal and operational guidance for service providers, while protecting individual privacy through defined safeguards and due process. The MCMC encouraged industry players, civil society, and the general public to participate in the consultation process, which will be open until Aug 8. 'This is a key opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback and contribute to the development of a regulatory framework that is balanced, inclusive, and aligned with both national enforcement needs and global data protection standards,' it added. Further information about the public consultation can be obtained at
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Facebook removes viral audio clip for policy breach in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that Facebook, owned by Meta, removed a viral audio clip for breaching the platform's content policies. The clip, allegedly recorded during an internal meeting, had been widely shared online before its removal. In a statement, MCMC clarified that Meta acted independently based on its community guidelines. The commission began monitoring the issue after receiving public complaints. 'MCMC takes seriously the act of uploading or sharing audio or video content without consent, especially when it potentially violates privacy, contains offensive material, spreads misinformation, or causes unnecessary distress to those involved,' the statement read. The commission reminded users to be cautious when sharing digital content, warning that unauthorised or provocative material could lead to legal consequences under laws like the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. - Bernama
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MCMC opens public consultation on communication data regulatory framework
THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched a public consultation on its proposed regulatory framework for communication data. The framework follows recent amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which introduced Sections 252A, 252B and 268A. These form the legal basis for new rules governing the retention, preservation and disclosure of communication data for investigations. Under the framework, relevant service providers must retain data for 12 to 18 months, accessible only by law enforcement through legal procedures. Access requires a disclosure notice and must follow principles of necessity, proportionality and legality. The public consultation is open from July 25 to August 8. MCMC invites public and industry feedback on how communication data should be managed to support investigations. Cybersecurity provider LGMS Bhd executive chairman Fong Choong Fook explained the importance of the communications data regulatory framework. "When someone commits a serious online crime like a scam or cyberbullying, enforcement needs to access digital records such as call logs and messages to investigate. But they must do it legally, without unnecessarily invading people's privacy. "A clear framework tells everyone—the telco, the police and the public—what can or cannot be done. It ensures a fair and proper process," he told the New Straits Times. With increasingly complex online criminal threats, a proper framework allows enforcement officers to act faster, follow digital trails more effectively and take action before the damage gets worse. "Today's online crimes are fast, sneaky, and sometimes come from other countries. To catch these criminals, the authorities need quick access to digital information," said Fong. Fong cautioned that any data accessed must follow strict rules, only when necessary, with proper approval. "There should also be checks in place, like independent bodies, to make sure the rules aren't abused," he said. Fong believes MCMC's public consultation is a positive move to break the ice on the topic and instill confidence in the public.
