kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Forum fully supports the call for measures to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation and distribution.
The commission's chairman, Rafik Razali, was commenting on a call made by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) commissioner Derek John Fernandes on Tuesday, who said such measures were urgently needed to curb criminal misuse of the technology.
Fernández stressed that AI technologies such as deepfakes could pose significant threats to public peace and national security.
He also stressed the need for a regulatory framework that requires mandatory disclosure of AI-generated images and videos to prevent the spread of misinformation and prevent individuals from becoming victims of online fraud.
Rafiq said Fernandes' recommendation was in line with the Content Forum's mandate to advocate self-regulation of content as outlined in the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code 2022.
“The Code emphasises the importance of transparency and already requires disclosure when using social media influencers for marketing purposes. Expanding this Code to include AI-generated content will further strengthen consumer trust and protect the community from misleading information.”
Rafiq stressed our “collective responsibility” to ensure the safe use of AI, saying it has huge potential to revolutionize the content industry and drive unprecedented levels of creativity and efficiency.
“But the potential of AI must be carefully managed. Legislators, AI service providers, regulators and content creators must work together to allocate sufficient resources and ensure the technology is used responsibly.”
He said prioritizing user safety and maintaining the integrity of digital content is crucial to fostering a trusted content environment.
Rafiq pointed to recent cases of deepfake videos featuring celebrities going viral online, which he said had caused huge confusion in the community.
“There have also been cases where AI-generated content has been used to commit fraud. These cases show how easily AI can be misused to manipulate information and mislead the public.”
“Regulatory measures such as mandatory disclosure of AI-generated content can help mitigate these risks and protect communities from digital fraud.”
Content Forum CEO Mediha Mahmood said when the internet was first introduced, no one could have predicted the range of problems that would arise, such as cyberbullying and misinformation.
“These issues continue to evolve and Malaysia remains committed to addressing them through effective laws and regulations. With widespread adoption of AI on the horizon, we must learn from past experiences. Therefore, preempting potential damage through swift and effective regulation is not only prudent but essential.”
She said the Content Forum was confident that by taking proactive measures, the country could maximize the transformative benefits of AI while maintaining a safe and secure digital environment.
“We encourage all parties in the digital content ecosystem to work together to build a strong regulatory framework that protects users' interests and fosters innovation.”
The Content Forum is registered with the MCMC, designated by the Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998 for the purpose of monitoring and promoting self-regulation of content on electronic network media.
It comprises key players in the content industry, including advertisers, advertising agencies, broadcasters, content creators/distributors, audio-text hosting service providers, internet service providers and civil society organisations.
