Social media scammers in crosshairs of new law

The Star

4 days ago

A NEW subsidiary legislation to curb online scammers is in the works, including requiring social media advertiser verification, says Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching (pic).
She said that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is working on an online safety code to reduce online harm as done by other countries.
'This includes Singapore, which made it mandatory for advertisers to perform identity verification, and in Taiwan, that requires social media platforms to disclose the advertisements' sponsors and payers,' she said during question time.
Teo was responding to a supplementary question by Chong Chieng Jen (PH-Stampin), who had asked the ministry whether there are plans to introduce new legislation to curb scammers.
Teo revealed that she has also become a victim of fake advertisements impersonating her.
'I have lodged a report with MCMC, but when one advertisement was taken down by Meta, another was posted again,' she said.
She added that MCMC received 121 requests to take down content impersonating high-profile individuals including royalty, ministers and political leaders.
'I hope that the ministry could get the support from all MPs to take action against these acts.
'As the Online Safety Act has been passed and gazetted in May, MCMC is developing a subsidiary legislation,' she added.
Teo had earlier said that as of July 15, a total of 46,817 scam-related content have been removed, following complaints as well violating the community guidelines set by each platform.
She added that none of the social media platforms have been charged so far.
'This is because the content uploaded on these platforms is typically published by third parties (users), and the assessment of legal action depends on the platform's role and liability in allowing or facilitating the dissemination of such content,' she said.