MCMC tracking down individuals over AI misuse

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is tracking down individuals involved in the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to edit photographs to humiliate social media users.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the move is to enable strict action to be taken and ensure the safety of online users, especially children.

“MCMC is tracking down the individuals, and to MCMC’s knowledge, some of them had been involved in prostitution activities and were punished. They are involved in vice again but in a different form and using other services.

“This is one of the reasons we are deeply concerned and are taking several strict measures regarding online safety,” he said after attending his ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday.

Previously, humiliating photo editing activities had been widely spread on X (formerly Twitter), which received negative reactions from netizens, and the government has been urged to ban the use of such technology in the country.

Fahmi also reiterated the advice issued by MCMC on Sunday that parents should ensure their children aged 13 and below do not own any social media accounts as it was inappropriate for them to do so.

He advised parents to be careful when uploading pictures of their children on social media as the images could be misused.

Earlier at the assembly, Fahmi said there were two worrying situations on social media, namely the spread of deviant teachings and the sexual grooming of children through WhatsApp.

“This is very troubling. I was informed of an app called DeepNude, that can transform a picture of a clothed person into a naked image of that person. This is a terrible use of technology. Imagine if our children become victims,” he said.

He also stressed that the government will not compromise on the safety of online users, especially children. – Bernama