LETTERS: Cyberbullying has emerged as a critical issue following the death of a social media influencer recently.
She allegedly endured severe online harassment.
Her death caused public outrage and brought attention to the pervasive and damaging effects of online harassment.
This is not the first time such a thing has happened.
In July 2022, a 44-year-old mother of three committed suicide at her home after being cyberbullied.
In 2019, a 16-year-old girl jumped to her death hours after a majority of respondents in an online poll encouraged her to kill herself.
No one has been brought to justice for these deaths until today.
Robust anti-cyberbullying measures are needed to prevent such incidents from recurring.
There is a lack of cybersafety awareness and education in Malaysia. People learn online safety by trial and error.
Cybersecurity agencies focus more on companies and organisations than on citizen education and support systems.
The Cybersecurity Act 2024, which aims to protect critical national infrastructure companies, testifies to this.
This gap is leading to an increase in cybercrimes, scams, online predators, human trafficking and other digital threats.
Relying solely on punitive laws to address the problem will get us nowhere.
Here are six strategies that can be employed in cybersecurity regulations:
1. Set up an agency that focuses on cybersafety. This is what Australia has done.
2. A law should be introduced to mandate cybersafety awareness and education for all.
3. University research should make cybersafety a priority, focusing on the regulation of generative AI.
4. Fund the creation of new media promoting cybersafety and digital wellness.
5. Introduce cybersafety education in schools. It can be driven by students and facilitated by teachers and volunteers.
6. Establish a cybercrimes victims' support centre. Ensure it is professionally run and adequately funded.
DR HUSIN JAZRI
Director, Global Centre for Cyber SafetyTaylor's University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times