Amendments to Communications and Multimedia Act to be tabled by early next year

The communications and digital ministry expects to table the proposed amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 in Parliament early next year. 

Its deputy minister, Teo Nie Ching said the law, formulated in 1998, was being reviewed by agencies under the ministry through engagements with relevant stakeholders. 

"The ministry feels it is time for a review of the law to ensure the existing provisions are adequate to take action against any type of offence, particularly cybercrime. 

"If we are not able to table it (in Parliament) this year, we will do it next year," she told reporters in Kulai yesterday.

Teo said there was proof that AI was being misused in cases such as scams. 
 
For instance, scammers could use AI to mimic a person’s voice and appearance to fool family members and close friends, she said. 

She said the proposed amendments would include increasing the responsibility of service providers as well. 

Teo was commenting on Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain's statement on the need for a review of the current laws on cybercrime to cover elements of cheating via computer software and devices. 

Razarudin was quoted as saying that cybercrime was expected to rise in tandem with fast-paced technology, especially with the use of AI.