IRC 2024: Aligning safety and innovation for a sustainable digital future 

• M’sia is developing online platform regulations to protect users under 13
• Aims to draft laws to address online safety issues such as scams & hate speech

The inaugural International Regulatory Conference (IRC) 2024, themed ‘Aligning Innovation with Safety for a Sustainable Future,’ kicked off today in Kuala Lumpur attracting almost 800 participants from ASEAN, Korea, Australia, and the UK in its aim to address pivotal topics in digital innovation and regulation.

Hosted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the event was officiated by Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications Malaysia.

During his speech, Fahmi highlighted, “In line with the efforts of the Malaysian government to drive innovation and harness technological expertise, MCMC has also convened a diverse group of experts, including regulators, policymakers and ASEAN delegates, to exchange perspectives, cultivate collaborations, and influence the trajectory of regulation in our ever-evolving global landscape.”

He added, “I am also pleased to share that the Malaysian government is actively drafting the laws to address online safety including online scams and fraud, sexual related offenses and hate speech.”

Some of Malaysia’s ongoing efforts in building a resilient community include ramping up Malaysia’s cybersecurity efforts to prioritise online safety. The government has also recently passed the Cyber Security Bill 2024 to strengthen the national cybersecurity framework. Additionally, it is finalising a framework for regulating online platforms to safeguard young users, particularly those under 13 from potential harms of early social media exposure.  

MCMC stated that input from regulators and subject matter experts would be vital to ensure that the telecommunications sector continues to thrive and shape a future where the digital ecosystem remains a driving force for connectivity and innovation.

Some of the major highlights during the conference include a keynote from Ofcom on the UK's Online Safety Act, Asean regulatory panels on e-commerce advancements, discussions on emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, and strategies for closing the digital divide to promote inclusive connectivity.

With Malaysia set to assume the Asean chairmanship in 2025, the focus is now on developing a post-2025 vision for the Asean community that emphasises peace, stability, and resilience.