Nancy proposes task force to address gen AI safety concerns, literacy

KUCHING (Dec 3): The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has submitted a proposal to the Cabinet to establish a special task force addressing safety concerns and the negative influence of generative artificial intelligence (AI), especially on youths.

Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the proposal was raised to ensure early mitigation is placed as the use of generative AI becomes increasingly widespread, and she personally conveyed the proposal to Digital Minister Datuk Gobind Singh Deo.

“This is to expedite the task force’s establishment, which is crucial in supporting the ministry’s advocacy programmes starting next year.

“The rise of generative AI poses not only security threats, but risks influencing people’s thinking, especially the youths,” she told reporters after officiating the Sarawak Women Entrepreneurs Sustainable Leadership (ESG) Foundation Programme at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) here.

She cited recent instances of AI-generated content being misused, including fabricated interviews involving her.

Fortunately, she said the public was increasingly able to identify such instances as false.

“This shows our people are starting to recognise what is not real, but the government still needs to intensify efforts to address the challenges posed by AI,” she stressed.

However, she cautioned that children and youths must be taught how to differentiate between genuine and manipulated content.

“These efforts are already in progress, and InsyaAllah, we will bring these programmes to rural areas as well so that community leaders can help educate their people.”

She also said the effectiveness of public awareness and educational initiatives depends on collaboration among various agencies such as the Ministry of Education, Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, and community networks.

She added that experts from various fields would also be enlisted as speakers in child education programmes involving topics such as online safety and sexual harassment.

Meanwhile Nancy also said the long-awaited Anti-Bullying Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon.

She said for the first phase, the legislation will apply to offenders of up to 18 years old, before being extended later to cover those up to 21 years old.

“The Anti-Bullying Bill is coming and it will finally define what constitutes bullying, including online bullying. The absence of a clear definition had previously hindered enforcement effort. The first phase focuses on school students and will utilise the Child Act, and that is where our ministry also plays a role,” she said.