MCMC introduces Internet monitoring
CYBERJAYA: With a total of 20.1 million Internet users in the country, Internet monitoring has long been a hot topic especially with the rise of Internet abuse.
A research done by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in 2014 revealed that most children in Malaysia own a handphone by the age of 12.
A string of incidents involving crime and moral decline have been linked to the sophistication of today’s world of communication.
Last month, a girl was drugged and sexually assaulted after she befriended a 24-year- old man through WeChat.
Despite websites being blocked by the MCMC, there are still serious concern over the misuse of Internet applications which, if not controlled, could prove to be destructive. Self-regulation Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin, MCMC Network Security and Enforcement chief said they preferred to encourage the public to understand and practise selfregulation while being online.
The concept of self-regulation emphasizes that users themselves be responsible for the content they access, produce, upload and share.
The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia ( CMCF) created under the Communications and Multimedia Act has introduced the Communications and Multimedia Content Code to prevent Internet abuse in Malaysia.
The forum plays an important role in fostering self- regulation among the people.
He said this during a special presentation ceremony for the media regarding MCMC’s cooperation with ISP companies in efforts to provide a child internet monitoring system.
This involves cooperation between MCMC and Internet Service Providers ( ISP).
“In line with technological developments, it is time to encourage self-regulation through the development of an internet monitoring system for users.
“In the concept of self-regulation, the responsibility of monitoring lies on the ISP.
“Enforcement bodies play a role to ensure laws stipulated under the act is adhered to. With these developments, it is time for us to strengthen the concept of coregulation which also involves authorities like the Royal
Malaysia Police,” Zulkarnain added.
The co-regulation concept is also used by MCMC to resolve cases that need the participation of relevant government ministries, departments or agencies.
Zulkarnain then cited the partnership between MCMC and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture in efforts to monitor and take action on irresponsible parties which offered fake umrah packages online a while back.
In line with technological developments, it is time to encourage self-regulation through the development of an internet monitoring system for users. MCMC Network Security and Enforcement chief, Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin
Parental involvement According to Zulkarnain, it is time for parents to join hands with the authorities in the process of regulating Internet use among children.
In carrying out these efforts, the MCMC has worked with six ISPs to develop an internet monitoring system for users. The ISPs involved are Celcom, UMobile, Digi, Maxis, Time and TM. Subscribers of these ISPs can now opt for special monitoring packages for mobile phones, restrict access to websites and even limit mobile phone usage.
“The role of parents here is to use these applications provided. It is as easy as downloading the application and then it’s ready, “said Zulkarnain.
When asked about suggestions by the public to filter applications deemed to have a negative influence such as WeChat, Bigo and Tumblr, Zulkarnain said it is not something easy to execute as there were lots of material out in cyberspace.
“This is why despite of the existing monitoring efforts, we also hope to foster an Internet usage culture that is based on informed decisions and choice which will make users more responsible, “he added. Public action Meanwhile, Eneng Faridah Iskandar, MCMC Advocacy and Outreach Division senior director said children could not escape the risk of Internet abuse even if they were not at fault.
While parents accept the fact that the Internet has become a part of their children’s lives, it is necessary for them to be vigilant in protecting their children.
“We cannot place complete trust in children when using gadgets or devices without thinking of the possibility of misuse, not by them but by others towards them.
“These crimes are not new or predatory behavior, but the internet acts as a new platform for the crimes that already exists. It is easier to access a target nowadays,” said Eneng.
Eneng also called on parents to take the first step in controlling their child’s Internet access through the most basic method, which is learning how to use the Internet as well.
She advised parents to talk to their children about the good and bad of Internet usage as well as safe Internet usage techniques. — Bernama