AT LEAST 3,870 fake social media accounts were identified by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry between 2018 and September this year.

Minister Gobind Singh Deo said 78% have been closed down with the assistance of social media platform providers such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“The largest factor driving the authorities to take action against social media accounts is whether they are found to be fake or operated with the intent to disguise the owner,” Gobind told Parliament this morning.

At the same time, more than 1,500 links to cyber-bullying and hate speech have been identified by Malaysian internet regulator the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Of those, 63% have been closed down for violating the terms and conditions of these social media platform providers, Gobind said in his reply to an oral question by opposition leader Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera), who asked about the number of social media accounts that had been blocked and the reasons why.

He added the ministry was studying possible amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to prevent the spread of disinformation and fake news, which may be ready to be tabled in Parliament next year.

“As the country moves towards embracing the fourth industrial revolution) the use and access to social media will be more widespread.

“The spread of fake news will be a big challenge for Malaysia,” Gobind said.

“So, we must have a system to curb the spread of such information and we are looking at examples in Singapore and Australia.”

He added that the authorities will also step up enforcement of current laws to deal problematic content and to improve the social media literacy of citizens.

“Enforcement is not enough. People must also learn to spot fake news and to not distribute it.” – December 2, 2019.