The government is considering the introduction of a licensing framework for artificial intelligence (AI) applications as part of efforts to curb the creation and spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said.
He explained that offences linked to AI currently fall under the misuse of network services, which covers the transmission of grossly offensive content through network facilities. However, there is no specific legislation yet that directly regulates AI-generated material.
While the Digital Ministry is tasked with drafting regulations related to AI, Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is expected to play a role in overseeing any future licensing mechanism.
“We are examining whether there is a need, based on findings or recommendations from enforcement agencies, to require AI applications to be licensed, and we will review this before taking any action,” he told reporters after officiating Internet Safety Day 2026 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa yesterday.
“At present, there is no dedicated act, so we need to wait for that to be in place,” he added.
Fahmi said authorities already have the power to act against individuals who misuse networks to transmit grossly offensive content, although these provisions have not yet been specifically applied to AI-generated materials.
On enforcement against CSAM, he said recent legal amendments now allow for the arrest of offenders involved in such activities.
“In cases involving child sexual abuse material, any misuse of networks to transmit content that violates the law, including CSAM, can lead to arrest. It is now a seizable offence. We have amended the law so those involved in CSAM or paedophile-related activities can be apprehended,” he said.
Previously, enforcement was limited under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act. Fahmi said the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (D11) is now enforcing the amended provisions.
He also highlighted the impact of Op Pedo 2.0, under which 31 individuals were arrested nationwide and some 880,000 items of child sexual exploitation material were seized — nearly 20 times more than what was recorded under Op Pedo 1.0 as of September last year.
Touching on children’s use of social media, Fahmi said accounts created directly by minors would be subject to restrictions, while accounts managed by parents — including those for young influencers or content creators — remain permissible.
“If parents create and manage the accounts, then the supervision and control rest with them,” he said, urging parents to stay alert, particularly when it comes to protecting personal information.
He warned that sensitive details such as home addresses and private locations should never be shared online, noting that AI technology can be misused to manipulate images or videos of children for inappropriate purposes.
“It is not an issue if parents manage their children’s accounts, but they must always remain vigilant. Use the internet wisely — take what is beneficial and avoid what is harmful,” Fahmi said.
