Malaysia grapples with AI legal grey zone as deepfake porn blackmail targets lawmakers
Our fellow Melissa Lim joins other experts in warning that current Malaysian laws are inadequate for AI-generated content, suggesting updates to existing laws and clearer recourse for victims is needed.
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“The tool for making harmful content need not be criminalised. Porn, for example, is illegal, regardless of whether it is filmed using a camera, drawn or generated with AI." - Melissa Lim
- Malaysian lawmakers were blackmailed with AI-generated sexual content, exposing legal gaps and raising human rights concerns. Scammers demanded US$100,000 from targeted MPs and senators.
- Experts warn current laws are inadequate for AI-generated content, suggesting updates to existing laws and clearer recourse for victims is needed.
- Pending an AI Bill by mid-2026, a watchdog says self-regulation and user awareness are critical, with focus on platform accountability for rapid takedowns.
