Malaysia Drafts AI Governance Bill to Prevent Digital Manipulation

Malaysia is moving to regulate artificial intelligence with a forthcoming AI Governance Bill, designed to bolster preventative measures and accountability in the development and deployment of AI technologies. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo stated that the bill will encompass the complete AI lifecycle, mandating reasonable governance practices based on risk levels for all parties involved in creating, providing, using, or operating AI systems.

Deo explained that the AI Governance Bill will strengthen the existing framework by defining clearer responsibilities for AI system development and implementation. He assured that legal actions can still be taken against unlawful content or actions under existing relevant laws. This approach, he noted, allows the government to address AI risks comprehensively through enforcement against misuse and early prevention via clearer, safer, and more responsible system governance.

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The AI Governance Bill will strengthen the existing framework by creating clearer responsibilities at the development and implementation stages of AI systems.

The minister was responding to a supplementary question from Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang) regarding the necessity of the AI Governance Bill to counter the risks of technology misuse. The proposed legislation signifies Malaysia's commitment to navigating the complexities of AI while safeguarding against potential digital manipulation and ensuring ethical technological advancement.

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At the same time, if there is unlawful content or actions, enforcement action can still be taken under relevant laws.