Govt to introduce 'kill switch' to boost online security

PETALING JAYA: The government is set to introduce a "kill switch" to enhance digital security and tackle cybercrimes.

In a statement on Sunday (July 28), Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said revealed that the initiative is expected to be tabled in Parliament in the next session slated for October.

The kill switch aims to increase the responsibility of social media platform providers and internet messaging services providers in combating cybercrimes such as online scams, cyberbullying, the spread of child pornography materials, and sexual harassment.

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"This aligns with legal initiatives enforced in other countries," she said.

Azalina also mentioned that the government had several other initiatives planned and executed to address online safety concerns, including studies to amend the Penal Code.

Among these initiatives is the International Legal Conference on Online Harms 2024, scheduled for Sept 5 and 6, conducted with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

"This conference will be attended by experts and international advocates for social media accountability and transparency, such as Frances Haugen and Dr Taylor Owne, to discuss issues like cybercrime, child protection, social media regulation, and the rise of artificial intelligence," she said.

Amendments to both the Criminal Procedure Code and Penal Code are also being studied. Public surveys are conducted to gather public sentiments on cybercrime.