SUPPORT FOR DECLARATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA USE INDICATES UNITED COMMITMENT IN FACING CHALLENGES – EXPERTS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Analysts have described the support for the 'Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for ASEAN' as indicating a regional commitment to addressing the growing challenges of the information technology era and artificial intelligence.

According to the Security and political analyst from the Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, the declaration also underscores the region's preparedness to confront digital security challenges through a collective approach.

Noor Nirwandy said it focuses on contemporary threats such as the spread of radicalism, data exploitation, microeconomic disruptions through social media, and the potential monopolisation by foreign platforms.

"This declaration centres on social media security. It should be viewed as a reflection of the forward-thinking leadership of ASEAN leaders in establishing a new benchmark to steer the region's direction on social media safety.

"This should be seen as a shift in mindset among ASEAN leaders, led by Malaysia," he told Bernama here today.

Noor Nirwandy said the declaration also stresses the need for ASEAN to be a leader, not a mere user of social media technology.

He said that, in accordance with the affirmation, member countries should develop applications and software that reflect the region's values and needs, thus reducing dependency on foreign platforms and creating more equitable opportunities for domestic digital economic growth. 

"Malaysia must go through this element to prove that this country has a robust social media security system that other ASEAN nations can emulate," he said, proposing a cross-cultural economic committee to ensure the groups' domination of this new structure, allowing the region to build its own social media identity.

Meanwhile, a Cybersecurity Analyst at the Malaysia Digital Foundation, Mohammad Ezaly Iman Ramli, views the declaration as a proactive measure that requires attention, given the increasing number of cases on social media that have adverse effects on several parties.

"Cybercrime is not just about typing comments on social media. It is hoped that this declaration will be effectively implemented, allowing the right policies to be enforced," he said, stressing the need for greater cybersecurity awareness to ensure continued collaboration and consistency in this effort. 

Yesterday, the 17th Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) and Related Meetings concluded with strong backing for the declaration.

In a joint media statement issued at the end of the conference, ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to cultivating a safe, inclusive, and responsible digital environment across the region.

-- BERNAMA