Using CATCH-UP
The rapid spread and sheer amount of electric disinformation have hampered Malaysia’s regulatory framework’s ability to keep up. The protection of false information rules, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the recently introduced Cyber Security Act 2024, has previously been delayed.
Due to the fact that legal proceedings frequently take years to complete, fake information can quickly spread on social media, making these laws less efficient in real-time.
Another issue is that position affiliated fact-checking firms like Sebenarnya. There is a significant gap in political propaganda because My and MyCheck have both expressly stated that they do not check social content.
Independent fact-checking organizations make efforts to bridge this gap during socially charged events like elections, but they are often unsuccessful due to the sheer volume of information that is available in several languages and dialects.
This is especially concerning in the fast-paced framework of votes. Social claims need to be quickly verified in these times to maintain informed public discussion. However, without real-time fact-checking and given the slow pace of constitutional enforcement, false social narratives can spread unchallenged, shaping public perception and possibly swaying democratic outcomes.
The issue is further complicated by the lack of extensive training in media and data education for all age groups. Without the abilities to thoroughly examine digital information, individuals are more prone to propaganda, especially as AI-driven systems continue to advance.
The risk of losing faith in democratic institutions will increase as people become more aware of the difference between real and fake news as deep fakes and fabricated images become more advanced.