THE internet regulator’s move to censor a report about a massive data breach involving personal information of millions of Malaysians is akin to “shooting the messenger”, legal advocacy group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) said today.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) should instead be more concerned about the content of the report posted online at Lowyat and check if it is true to prevent fraud, LFL executive director Eric Paulsen said.

“MCMC must explain the reasons for this action – and if the report has any basis – as the implications are extremely serious and would affect the security and personal data of millions of Malaysians.

“Instead of shooting the messenger, MCMC should be more alarmed at the content of the report which should be MCMC’s primary concern, that is, the personal data security of the communications and multimedia industries and the prevention of online fraud,” Paulsen said in a statement.

The Lowyat.net website said yesterday MCMC ordered it to remove the report “Personal data of millions of Malaysians up for sale, sources of breach still unknown”.

It contained information on Malaysians’ personal details, obtained from telecommunications companies, including Celcom, DiGi, Maxis, TuneTalk and Umobile, as well as Jobstreet.com, the Malaysian Medical Association and Malaysian Housing Loan Applications, among others.

The report said the information was being sold for bitcoins.

Paulsen said if the report were untrue or inaccurate, Lowyat.net had to rectify or remove the report itself.

“However, if the report can be substantiated, then it would wholly irresponsible and shocking for MCMC to order for its removal as this would clearly amount to censorship of internet content and a desperate attempt to stem the flow of critical news and information.”

MCMC’s action was undemocratic and an abuse of power and in breach of the government’s guarantee never to censor the internet under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and MSC Malaysia’s bill of guarantees, he added.

“It would be more prudent for MCMC to come to terms with the reality of the internet and social media rather than resorting to harsh enforcement methods that are inconsistent with modern democratic demands.” – October 20, 2017.