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.
“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.