Checks on fake social media accounts

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will monitor the existence of fake social media accounts to investigate any wrongdoing and take the necessary enforcement action, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak (pix).
He said many fake social media accounts such as on Facebook and Twitter had been created of late for the purpose of spreading false information that might adversely impact the country's social and economic well-being, as well as national security.
He reminded the public that it is an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to make or create content that is obscene, indecent, false, menacing or offensive in nature.
"Many are already aware that fake accounts are primarily used by those who have bad intent, including to distribute fake, defamatory and seditious content that is against the laws of our country," he said after attending the weekly Cabinet meeting here today.
Salleh said the issue is not specific to Malaysia.
He said Facebook reportedly took action recently against 30,000 fake accounts in France during the country's presidential election as part of its efforts to curb the proliferation of fake news.
"Apart from enforcement action, MCMC will continue to work with service providers such as Facebook to remove these fake accounts," he said. — Bernama