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New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
AI law needed to counter digital misuse
KUALA LUMPUR: A law on artificial intelligence (AI) is necessary to counter digital misuse, say cybersecurity experts. They said such laws, however, should ensure that humans remain the primary decision-makers, with the ability to step in, override decisions, or take control if an AI system makes a mistake. Universiti Malaya Department of Computer System and Technology professor, Prof Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab, said strong AI laws are also needed given the speed at which AI is developing and its growing integration into daily life. He said that without proper legislation, there is a significant risk of digital mishaps, abuse, and harm, including the proliferation of fake content such as images, videos, and documents, as well as cybersecurity threats. "AI helps a lot in daily tasks, but it can also be used by malicious actors to launch highly advanced cyberattacks, making traditional cybersecurity measures insufficient. "A compromised AI system itself could pose a major national security risk. "Another issue is how AI is trained. "There is a risk of biased data being used. "For example, if the training sample is not sufficiently balanced, an AI system used in hiring might unintentionally discriminate against certain demographic groups. "Similarly, an AI used in the judicial system might lead to harsher sentences for certain communities," he said when contacted. Earlier today, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Malaysia needs an artificial intelligence law in light of emerging threats. She said she has written to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo on the need to look into AI legislation. Ainuddin said that when drafting the Bill, he proposed the inclusion of a dedicated body to monitor AI, comprising experts in AI and law, or agencies such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and CyberSecurity Malaysia, to ensure compliance, investigate issues, and impose penalties on non-compliant companies. "Humans must remain the main actors. "For critical AI systems, there should always be a way for a human to step in, override decisions, or take control if the AI makes a mistake or if human judgment is necessary," he said. He said there should also be clear accountability in the event of an incident. "Who is responsible? Is it the company that created the AI tool, the company that uses it, or the end-user?" he said. Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia Cybersecurity Research Centre director Prof Dr Selvakumar Manickam said proactive legislation is essential to manage risks, prevent misuse, and build public trust in emerging technologies. He said that without a dedicated legal framework, Malaysia risks facing serious challenges from AI-driven threats such as deepfakes and algorithmic bias, which could leave citizens vulnerable and blur lines of accountability. "Legislation must mandate that security and privacy are engineered into AI systems and the data processes that build them, starting from the design phase. "These systems should only be deployed after meeting critical requirements for safety and transparency. "The law must strongly require human oversight as a non-negotiable component of any high-risk system, ensuring final decisions remain with humans and establishing clear lines of accountability enforced by a properly empowered regulator," he said.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Combine encryption with ID checks to fight grooming, expert tells govt [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: Encryption plays a critical role in securing online communication and protecting users—especially children—from threats such as grooming. Universiti Malaya forensic and cyber threat expert Professor Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab says that encryption can complement identity checks by providing another layer of protection. This follows what Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil proposed; to consider mandatory user identity verification in light of rising online sexual predatory cases. "Encryption is really the way we can secure our communication," Ainuddin said. He explained the concept using a simple analogy: much like parents who discreetly spell out words or speak in a language their children do not understand to keep their conversations private, encryption masks the content of digital exchanges—even if someone is aware that a communication is taking place. This technique, he said, ensures that while a third party may see that data is being transmitted, they will not be able to decipher it without the appropriate cryptographic keys. He also pointed to Malaysia's homegrown advancements in cryptography, particularly the In-MaLi algorithm developed locally and internationally recognised. This cryptographic method is supported by the Malaysian Society for Cryptology Research and agencies like CyberSecurity Malaysia. He uses the analogy of house keys and an added padlock to explain how Malaysia enhances existing global encryption tools. "It's like renting a house and being given two keys. You're not sure who else might have copies, so you add your own padlock—your own third key. That way, only you can access it." This "three-tier lock system", he said, reflects how Malaysia builds additional layers of encryption over standard platforms to better protect user data. These locally developed add-ons ensure that only authorised parties—such as national cyber defence teams—can decrypt certain information, if necessary, and respond to emerging threats. Ainuddin added that while identity verification can deter online predators, encryption remains essential to securing private communication, safeguarding children, and bolstering national cyber resilience. On Tuesday, Fahmi said his ministry is reviewing several key measures to enhance online safety, including enforcing user verification or identity authentication. The move, he added, is crucial to protect children from becoming victims of online sexual predators. He expressed concern over a recent case involving a social media influencer who allegedly sent obscene images to a 14-year-old girl. "I'm deeply troubled by what happened — an influencer contacting a 14-year-old with lewd messages. This is something happening within our society.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Beyond the Headlines: Rafizi out, online predators and Asean 2025 [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: In this latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, the show explores online safety and the government's proposal to introduce mandatory user identity verification. Earlier this week, the Communications Ministry said it is considering the move as a crucial step in protecting children from becoming victims of online sexual predators. This follows a disturbing case involving a social media influencer who allegedly sent obscene messages to a 14-year-old girl. Universiti Malaya forensic and cyber threat expert Professor Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab joins hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan to explain how such a policy might work in practice—and what the government needs to weigh in order to balance safety regulations with freedom of speech. The show also discusses the resignation of two cabinet ministers: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy Minister and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. Rafizi, who had pledged to resign if he lost to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the PKR deputy presidency race last week, followed through on his promise. Nik Nazmi also stepped down after failing to retain his PKR vice-presidency and losing the Setiawangsa division chief post to Datuk Afdlin Shauki. In the second half of the episode, Beyond the Headlines recaps the recently concluded Asean and related summits hosted in Kuala Lumpur—an event that marked a milestone in regional multilateral relations. Catch the full discussion in episode 98 of Beyond the Headlines on the New Straits Times' YouTube channel, NSTOnline.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Beyond the Headlines: Rafizi out, online predators and Asean 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: In this latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, the show explores online safety and the government's proposal to introduce mandatory user identity verification. Earlier this week, the Communications Ministry said it is considering the move as a crucial step in protecting children from becoming victims of online sexual predators. This follows a disturbing case involving a social media influencer who allegedly sent obscene messages to a 14-year-old girl. Universiti Malaya forensic and cyber threat expert Professor Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab joins hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan to explain how such a policy might work in practice—and what the government needs to weigh in order to balance safety regulations with freedom of speech. The show also discusses the resignation of two cabinet ministers: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy Minister and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. Rafizi, who had pledged to resign if he lost to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the PKR deputy presidency race last week, followed through on his promise. Nik Nazmi also stepped down after failing to retain his PKR vice-presidency and losing the Setiawangsa division chief post to Datuk Afdlin Shauki. In the second half of the episode, Beyond the Headlines recaps the recently concluded Asean and related summits hosted in Kuala Lumpur—an event that marked a milestone in regional multilateral relations. Catch the full discussion in episode 98 of Beyond the Headlines on the New Straits Times' YouTube channel, NSTOnline.
