Malaysia studies AI regulation as CSAM risks rise, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is studying the possibility of introducing a specific law to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said, amid growing concerns over AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Speaking to reporters after officiating Internet Safety Day 2026 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa today, Fahmi said while there is currently no law specifically targeting AI-generated CSAM, existing legislation allows authorities to act against the transmission of illegal content via network services.
“In terms of real child sexual abuse material content, any misuse of the network to transmit content that violates the law, including CSAM, is a seizable offence.
“The perpetrator can be detained,” he said.
Fahmi added that amendments to the law now allow authorities to arrest those involved in CSAM activities, including paedophiles, under more explicit provisions.
Previously, such cases were difficult to pursue under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, but he confirmed that the Police’s Criminal Investigation Department’s D11 unit has been applying the updated clauses.
On AI-generated content, Fahmi said the current offence covers the transmission and misuse of network services to distribute grossly offensive and extremely obscene material.
He added that the government has tasked the Digital Ministry to explore drafting specific regulations for AI applications, which would likely be licensed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“We are studying the matter, including any recommendations from enforcement agencies on whether AI applications should be licensed.
“Once we have these findings, we will take appropriate action. At this time, there is no specific law, so we need to wait on that.”
