Azalina: Media providers consulted over fake news laws
THE Government has consulted social media platform providers in its bid to draft laws against fake news, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said a discussion was held with social media platform providers such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Asia Internet Coalition at Parliament on Monday.
“The meeting was held to get more views and input from the main play- ers in this new media sector,” she said in a statement yesterday.
Azalina said the discussion received positive reaction from the platform providers.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission officers also attended the meeting, she said.
The meeting was vital to ensure laws being drafted were comprehensive, she said, adding that the Government wanted to be inclusive.
Azalina said a workshop was held by the special committee on fake news at the Asian International Arbitration Centre Malaysia with relevant government agencies.
The law on fake news, she said, was to curb false news that threaten public order and national security.
“The laws drafted will also protect society from becoming victims of fake news,” she said.
Last Monday, Azalina said the final draft of the proposed law to curb fake news would be ready in two weeks.
She said a draft was being circulated among the ministers now before presentation to the Cabinet soon.
The Yang-Di Pertuan Agong, in his Royal address at the opening of Parliament last week, expressed support for the proposal to formulate legislation to address the spread of fake news and slander on social media.