Malaysia is working on an internet 'kill switch', says minister

Legislation for an internet "kill switch" will reach Malaysia’s Parliament in October, according to the country's minister for Law and Institutional Reform.

Minister Azalina Othman Said issued a statement on Sunday detailing that "new legislation that includes provisions regarding the procedure and enforcement of the kill switch" is under development as part of an effort to enhance digital security.

Said did not expand on what Malaysia wants the power to block, nor the circumstances under which it will be permissible to do so. She did write that the government wants social media platform providers and internet messaging services to take more responsibility for the role their products play in online crimes such as fraud, child sexual abuse material, sexual harassment and solicitation, plus bullying. Such actions, the minster explained, are "in line with legislative initiatives enforced in various other countries."

Again, she did not specify which other countries operate such laws.

Said did reveal that the Malaysian government is also studying proposed amendments that would classify and define cyberbullying, plus enforcement measures.

In September, Malaysia will stage a conference to discuss online harms. Academics and former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen will be among attendees.

The day before minister Said's post, Malaysia's internet regulator, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), announced social media and online messaging platforms with eight million registered Malaysian users or more must apply for a license as of January 1, 2025 or face legal action.

Previously only network facilities providers, network service providers, application service providers, and content applications service providers were required to apply for licenses under the country's Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

"The measure will create a safer online ecosystem and a better user experience, especially for children and families," stated the MCMC.

London-based international human rights organization Article 19, and 66 partner organizations, penned an open letter on Saturday calling the new requirement "a blatant abuse of power and poor governance."

The signatories argued that the proposed measures would "stifle" social media and discourage public participation in democracy. While they acknowledge that "regulation is essential in mitigating harm online to the general public," they're unconvinced that expansion of government power is the way to achieve that. ®