Deepfakes, disinformation and digital harm: Why media and AI literacy matters for every Malaysian

IN an era where internet users are increasingly exposed to false, misleading, and manipulated information, the need for robust Media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy (MAIL) has become more urgent than ever. MAIL is essential for fostering responsible, ethical, and inclusive engagement with media and AI technologies, particularly in a society where online interactions, algorithmic systems, and generative AI profoundly influence how information is created, disseminated, and consumed.

In Malaysia, AI already influences how young people learn, communicate, socialise, and form opinions through social media platforms, recommendation algorithms, generative AI tools, and automated decision-making systems.