KOTA TINGGI: The Online Safety Bill will focus on improving the legal framework to better protect citizens in the digital age.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the two-day Enhancing Online Safety Legal Workshop was a platform to evaluate and draft the Online Safety Bill, set to be presented to the cabinet in October.

The workshop drew on international experiences and legal models to ensure Malaysia's approach aligned with global best practices.

She said the workshop involved the Prime Minister's Department's Legal Affairs Division, Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), academicians and stakeholders to discuss the regulations needed to enhance online safety.

"The International Legal Conference on Online Harms will be held on Sept 5 and 6.

"After the conference, the bill will be enhanced with online safety-related crimes," she said at a hotel here today.

"We're looking at other countries' approaches and engaging experts to draft a law that reflects our unique needs.

"The draft will be carefully evaluated before it is brought to the cabinet for approval."

She said the bill would be people-centric to prioritise the public's understanding and engagement.

"For too long, laws have been crafted based on what the government or policymakers want.

"This time, it's different. The public needs to know how social media platforms can manipulate them."

Azalina said the emotional impact of online engagement could influence people towards extreme love or extreme hate, so it was crucial that regulations ensure accountability.

"The draft will be shaped through comprehensive consultation with ministries, agencies, the police and MCMC, as well as members of parliament from both the government and opposition.

"We are involving experts in drafting this law. We're getting direct feedback from stakeholders, including sessions with government and opposition representatives.

"When we talk about regulations, some parties immediately assume it goes against democracy."

"But democratic principles are central to this effort. A smartphone can be a powerful weapon in your pocket, especially for the young."

She also talked about whistleblower protection, the spread of misinformation and the need to shield children from harmful content.

She said it was importance to prioritise truth over popularity in online discourse.

"Exposing the truth is not about gaining popularity, it's about upholding values.

"Much of the technology we use comes from outside the country, driven by business interests with little responsibility for the social impact."

She said there was a need to create a legal framework that reflects current realities and safeguards the wellbeing of all citizens, especially the younger generation.

On another matter, Azalina said outdated laws need to be updated to address new challenges, such as online scams, digital banking fraud and child protection.

"There is a need for a cluster-based review of old regulations, particularly those related to obsolete business practices, to ensure they remain relevant in today's digital landscape."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1092063/azalina-online-safety-bill-prioritise-protecting-people