THE spread of misinformation has reached a tipping point, indicating a need for government intervention and international cooperation to rein in the chaos, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

He called on technology companies, especially those that flourished in the Silicon Valley, to bear the responsibility of becoming custodians of modern communication.

“They would be tasked with implementing policies that counter misinformation and disinformation while upholding the right to free speech,” he said during a special lecture titled “Superpower Rivalry and Rising Tensions in the Asia Pacific” at the University of California in San Francisco yesterday.

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to the biggest Fortune 500 companies such as Tesla, Uber, Salesforce, Pixar, Netflix, Lucasfilm, and Levi Strauss, and some of the most innovative firms in artificial intelligence development, biotech, software, clean technology and social media.

Anwar, who is in the United States for the Apec Economies Leaders Meeting, said it was essential to implement advanced technological solutions and robust human content moderation grounded in local contexts.

“These measures and a commitment to transparency and accountability are vital for these platforms to serve as conduits for constructive dialogue rather than channels for deceit and manipulation.

“As we confront these unprecedented challenges, let us approach them as a clarion call to fortify and rejuvenate our democratic institutions for the digital era,” he said in the public lecture attended by about 250 students.

Anwar urged stronger partnerships and the capitalisation of innovations to safeguard societies and lives.

“Democracy, despite its flaws, remains our best hope, and its endurance depends on our collective vigilance and continuous improvement, echoing the dedication of those who came before us,” he said. – Bernama, November 15, 2023.