Liberal Mask Slips Khairy Chides Govt Proposal To Force User Data Revelation

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Former minister-turned-political commentator Khairy Jamaluddin has chided the government for its proposed move to compel social platforms to reveal users’ data to police in an effort to curb fake news.
Taking to his Instagram account, Khairy said that the government now has lost its liberal veil and is doing as it pleases, linking it to its strong voter base.
“The liberal mask has well and truly slipped off.
“They dare to be draconian because they know whatever they do, 95 percent of their base will vote for them.
“You know what I’m saying. I don’t need a dog whistle,” Khairy said.
His fiery jab came after the government was reportedly seeking a legal amendment that would compel social media platform providers into revealing data about their users upon police request.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching told the Dewan Rakyat that the ministry plans to table a bill to amend the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, in December to achieve this.
The Kulai MP was responding to a supplementary question from Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden on how the government plans to control the spread of fake news by those using bogus social media accounts.
Starting Jan 1 next year, all social media platforms with more than eight million users must apply for a Class Licence for Application Service Providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The Communications Ministry said the measure was to hold social media companies accountable for harmful content on their platforms including child sexual abuse material, online scams, and cyberbullying.
However, critics say the move is regressive and is an attempt by the government to stifle freedom of expression online. - Mkini

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