SAN FRANCISCO: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged big tech companies here to do more to fight the spread of online disinformation on their platforms, describing the phenomenon as crisis that has reached a tipping point.
“They are tasked with implementing policies that counter misinformation and disinformation while upholding the right to free speech,” he said during a special lecture at the University of California here on Nov 14, according to Bernama.
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to many of the biggest Fortune 500 companies as well as firms operating social media platforms.
Anwar, who is here to attend the 30th Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting, said it is essential to use robust human content moderation grounded in local contexts on social media platforms.
“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 that was attended by more than 250 students.
In his speech titled, “Super Power Rivalry and Rising Tensions in the Asia Pacific”, Anwar added that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Palestine will leave an imprint on global relations for many years to come.
“What’s happening today in Palestine will affect us all.
“The implications of this strife are significant and long-lasting. These are blatant violations of international law.”
Malaysia views the conflict as a humanitarian crisis precipitated by a brutal and indiscriminate war.
“Ultimately, this isn’t about which God we pray to. After all, the more than 11,000 victims in Gaza comprise Muslims and Christians, as well as nationalities of various countries.
“This is about preventing more deaths, more suffering, and more hate.
“Proponents of the Palestinian cause are neither purveyors of hate speech nor supporters of terrorism,” he stressed.
