THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has blocked 246 websites that allow the illegal streaming of movies and other content via Android set-top boxes, reports The Star.

MCMC network security and enforcement chief officer Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin said it is working with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry on the crackdown on such sites, which breach copyright and intellectual property laws.

“We are working closely with the ministry, and only with their complaints and the details provided to us, such as domain names, URLs and internet page addresses… can we act to block access.”

The ministry has legal jurisdiction over issues pertaining to the infringement of the said laws.

Zulkarnain said only a few brands of Android boxes are approved by certification body Sirim, based on standards set by MCMC, and most of the boxes available on the market are illegal.

The Sirim certification is a must to ensure Android boxes do not interfere with the frequencies of other gadgets, he said.

He added that MCMC has boosted surveillance on the sale of illegal devices, and will act against unscrupulous distributors and sellers.

“We know who they are, and we will act against them to discourage (the sale of) these illegal boxes.”

Those found with illegal Android boxes could face a fine of up to RM100,000 and six months’ jail upon conviction.

Zulkarnain warned that unapproved Android boxes could be used as spying tools to collect users’ personal data.

“Unapproved (boxes) may contain malware or malicious software that could disrupt internet connectivity and steal personal data.” – February 4, 2019.