It's okay to tell a white lie to protect yourself, netizens told

KUALA LUMPUR: Netizens were told it is okay to tell a white lie on social media to avoid falling prey to identity thieves and hackers.

“It is not necessary for us to be honest when giving out information and it is okay to lie a bit to protect our personal details,” Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Jailani Johari said to a supplementary question raised by Teo Nie Ching (DAP-Kulai) in Parliament on Wednesday.

Teo's query was on online blackmail involving nude photographs.

Jailani said that many Malaysians readily share their personal details on social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

“We sometimes click on sites and give away our location, share family photographs and personal details without realising that the information given cannot be retracted,” he added.

On some 400 online sexual harassment complaints, Jailani said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) does not practise double standards when investigating such complaints.

Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee told Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) not to disrupt the proceedings as the minister had already finished answering.

Kok had stood up to say she was the victim of cyber-harassment but alleged that the authorities had done little to nab the culprits.

Meanwhile, Jailani also assured lawmakers that it is illegal for companies holding personal data to share or sell the data to others.

He said those flouting the law can face up to RM500,000 in fines, three years’ jail or both upon conviction.

Earlier, Jailani said that an online consumer survey showed that Internet use grew from 24.1 million users in 2015 to 24.5 million last year.

He added the survey also showed that Malaysians spend an average of four hours a day online.

He said that 15.1% of Internet users are below the age of 19.