The Ministry of Communications has announced its intention to take action against several social media platforms due to past incidents of cyberbullying, according to Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi expressed his dissatisfaction with how these platforms have handled the issue, stating:
I don’t think they particularly care…so, I have had enough. We will send a loud and clear message to these platforms. Stay tuned
Fahmi mentioned that his ministry is currently collaborating with the Digital Ministry, the Home Ministry, and the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) to examine three to four specific issues related to cyberbullying, according to Bernama.
This collaborative effort aims to update existing laws and ensure their effective implementation.
He also highlighted the importance of examining current technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and various social media platforms, to facilitate investigations and the prosecution process.
He emphasised the need to focus on the technical aspects, such as framing charges, to address cyberbullying effectively.
Fahmi cited the tragic case of Rajeswary Appahu, also known as Esha, who allegedly took her own life due to cyberbullying from a TikTok live session, as an example of the severe consequences of such behaviour.
Fahmi also shared his observations from a live TikTok session where some comments were excessively harsh, seemingly encouraging other viewers to behave inappropriately.
He stressed that these instances involve not only the perpetrators but also those who propagate such behaviour.
“It’s about those who engage in the bullying and those who allow and incite others to participate,” he said.
