KULAI: The Communications Ministry wants parties involved in the Aug 17 Nenggiri by-election to be wary about spreading fake content generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching today said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and other agencies would monitor the misuse of AI during elections.
"In this age of AI, I advise social media users not to share information unless its authenticity has been verified.
"With AI, it is easy to create edited videos and images, and many 'scammers' have also used AI to produce videos featuring the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and other prominent people.
"During a by-election, some people may use AI to create fake content.
"The MCMC, along with the police and other agencies, will monitor and respond to complaints."
She said this after attending an event at SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra in the Kulai constituency.
Teo said the parties involved in the by-election should not address 3R issues (race, religion, and royalty) on social media.
She, however, added that no reports on the matter had been received during the second day of campaigning.
"The by-election is a platform for parties, whether government representatives or opposition, to exchange views.
"I advise the candidates and their supporters not to undermine national harmony because of a by-election.
"Supporters can debate and campaign on social media, but it should be done rationally and in a harmonious manner."
The by-election will see a straight fight between Barisan Nasional's Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani and Perikatan Nasional's Mohd Rizwadi Ismail.
The by-election is being held after the seat was declared vacant by Kelantan state assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah on June 19, following Mohd Azizi Abu Naim's expulsion from Bersatu on June 13.
In the Kelantan state election last year, Azizi won with an 810-vote majority.