Kuala Lumpur: The artificial intelligence chatbot, Artificial Intelligence Fact-check Assistant (AIFA), launched by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has garnered a total of 57,782 inquiries since its introduction on January 28.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MCMC Deputy Managing Director Datuk Zurkarnain Mohd Yasin highlighted that AIFA is an integral part of the government’s initiative to enhance online safety awareness and tackle cyber threats, such as fraud, fake news, and digital exploitation. The chatbot receives an average of 2,140 messages daily, reflecting its active role in engaging the community.
Zurkarnain stated that AIFA serves as a tool to empower citizens by encouraging critical thinking and verification of information, particularly from online sources. The spread of fake news poses a significant threat to societal harmony, potentially leading to racial and religious tensions. Alongside AIFA, MCMC manages the Sebenarnya.my portal, which attracts over two million visitors monthly, assisting the public in verifying the accuracy of information.
Further commenting on the challenges of online safety, Zulkarnain emphasized the importance of protecting personal information, ensuring children’s safety, and maintaining public order and economic stability. He noted that scammers have become more sophisticated, evolving from emotional exploitation tactics, such as the ‘Love Scam,’ to more complex schemes involving false investments, leading to substantial financial losses for victims.
Zulkarnain cited statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) indicating that losses from scams rose from RM1.2 billion in 2023 to RM1.5 billion in 2024. In response, MCMC has implemented proactive regulatory measures, including licensing social media platforms with over eight million Malaysian users and amending the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to bolster enforcement and evidence preservation.
He clarified that these regulatory measures are designed to ensure digital platforms are accountable for their content, not to suppress freedom of expression. Similar strategies have been adopted by countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. Zulkarnain stressed that creating a safe online environment is a collective responsibility, requiring public awareness, parental oversight, and individual precautions in navigating the digital landscape.