KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said internet service providers (ISPs) are required to make every effort to prevent criminal conduct on their platforms.
The MCMC in a statement today said ISPs must promptly remove any online harm in view of the growing number of public complaints about the abuse of network facilities and services.
The MCMC said it wants ISPs to come up with reports containing action plans to address the issue of content infringement and outlines of strategies to enhance their capabilities in combating online harm, ensuring information security and maintaining network integrity.
The main areas of concern regarding online harm include the dissemination of child sexual abuse material, online gambling, content inciting racial or religious discontent, scams/phishing, the sale and promotion of illegal drugs and prohibited substances, impersonation, spreading disinformation and fake news, and the unlicensed sale of health products, the statement said.
In urging ISPs to fulfil their obligations and duties as required under the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 , it said Section 263 of the act requires ISPs to employ their best endeavours to prevent the services they provide from being used to commit any offence, and to prevent the commission or attempted commission of an offence under Malaysian law.
The MCMC said it would require ISPs to allocate sufficient resources and expertise to ensure the requirements of Section 263 of CMA 1998 are met.
Citing Section 244 of the law, the MCMC said the ISPs and the people who control them may face charges if they knowingly facilitate criminal activities even after being informed of such crimes being committed.
“This provision is intended to prevent the abuse of internet platforms for illegal purposes,” it said.
— Bernama
