This is the kind of article I genuinely wish I didn't have to write. But given what's happening out there, not talking about it would be irresponsible.
Deepfake technology, for those who haven't yet encountered the term in a deeply unsettling context, is AI that can generate hyper-realistic fake videos or audio of real people saying or doing things they never actually said or did. A year ago, it was a novelty. In 2026, it's a weapon. And Malaysians are both the tool and the target.
The abuse cases MCMC has flagged are deeply alarming. Deepfakes of Malaysian public figures and celebrities have been used to promote fake investment scams, with fabricated video endorsements convincing enough that ordinary people have lost their savings trusting them. The Communications Minister himself flagged the misuse of AI deepfakes as one of the most urgent online threats Malaysia now faces alongside scams, sexual crimes against children, and online gambling. Source: Malay Mail
But investment scams are actually not the worst application of this technology. Non-consensual intimate deepfakes, where someone's face is placed onto explicit content without their knowledge or consent, have been documented in Malaysia and are devastating to victims. These are predominantly women. The psychological damage is severe, and legal recourse has historically been slow and difficult to obtain.
Here's how to protect yourself, as much as that's possible right now.
First, audit your social media. Photos and videos you've posted publicly are fair game for training deepfake models. Consider setting your personal accounts to private, and be mindful of what you share going forward. Second, if you see a video of a public figure promoting an investment or making an unusual statement, verify it through official channels before you act on it or share it. Reputable news outlets will report on genuine statements from notable Malaysians. Third, if you become a victim of a deepfake, report it to MCMC at aduan.mcmc.gov.my and file a police report under the Communications and Multimedia Act.
The Online Safety Act 2025 specifically mandates that platforms remove deepfake content within 24 hours of flagging. That's a meaningful shift in accountability. Source: Free Malaysia Today
The disturbing reality is that the technology to create convincing deepfakes is now freely available and requires no technical expertise. Your face, in the wrong hands, can be used to ruin your reputation, steal from people who trust you, or cause you harm you never anticipated. That's not science fiction. It's Tuesday morning in 2026.
Stay sharp. Stay sceptical. And share this with someone who needs to know.
Ronny M (ronny76netstuff@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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