KUALA LUMPUR: A new law specifically on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently in the process of being drafted, says Gobind Singh Deo.
The Digital Minister said the strategic move is to display the government’s commitment to implement a law-based regulatory framework and to strengthen AI governance.
“Such an approach is aimed at safeguarding the nation’s cyber security while maintaining public and investor confidence in Malaysia’s digital agenda,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during question and answer session yesterday.
At the same time, Gobind also added that the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics (AIGE) Guidelines have been introduced as a framework based on seven key principles, including fairness, safety, transparency and human well-being.
He said this in a reply to Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH-Bandar Tun Razak) who wanted to know about the strategic measures being implemented and planned to ensure the nation’s cybersecurity, particularly in addressing the rise in scam cases involving weaponised AI technology.
On weaponised AI technology, Gobind said the use of weaponised AI has been detected in several incidents recorded by CyberSecurity Malaysia.
He added that this included deepfake scams used for sexual extortion (sextortion) and identity impersonation.
There is also an increase in scam cases, where syndicates are now using AI to create more convincing fake messages or calls and to mimic victims’ voices in order to deceive family members or friends.
“In terms of threats to personal data, AI is also being utilised to process and exploit leaked data from cyberattacks, making it easier for criminals to target specific individuals,” he added.
Gobind said the government has also enforced the Cyber Security Act 2024 to protect the National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII).
He added that this move will ensure the nation’s cybersecurity remains safe, particularly in facing the rise of scams involving weaponised AI technology.
“The government also strengthened the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024 by introducing a mandatory data breach reporting requirement,” he added.
Gobind also said the government is currently drafting the Cybercrime Bill, which will replace the Computer Crimes Act 1997.
The act, he said, will serve as the principal legislation for combating cybercrime under the supervision of National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa).
Yesterday, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the government is in the process of drafting a new Bill on cybercrime as part of efforts to curb online offences in the country.
He said the gap between existing laws and the current realities of cybercrime has been identified as one of the most critical issues affecting the effectiveness of enforcement actions against syndicates involved in such activities.
In July, National Cyber Security Agency CEO Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said the Bill is expected to be tabled in October.
