Alleged data breach: Don’t shoot the messenger, MCMC told

PETALING JAYA: The Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) want the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to explain its order for Lowyat.net to remove its report on an alleged breach of personal data involving millions of people.

Calling such behaviour undemocratic, LFL added that it was a grave abuse of power and against the “no-Internet-censorship” policy protected in both the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and MSC Malaysia’s Bill of Guarantees.

“Instead of shooting the messenger, MCMC should be more alarmed at the contents of the report which should be MCMC’s primary concern, ie. the personal data security of the communications and multimedia industries and the prevention of online fraud.

“If the report was untrue or inaccurate, then the burden is on Lowyat.net to rectify or remove the report altogether if it cannot be salvaged.

“However, if the report can be substantiated, then it would be wholly irresponsible and shocking for MCMC to order for its removal as this would clearly amount to censorship of internet content and a desperate attempt to stem the flow of critical news and information,” LFL executive director Eric Paulsen said in a statement today.

The report, titled “Personal data of millions of Malaysians up for sale, sources of breach still unknown”, was published yesterday.

However, the portal removed the story within hours following MCMC’s request.

Paulsen said MCMC should remember that its “real work” was not to censor news that it did not like or target those who posted critical or “offensive” remarks against the authorities.

“It would be more prudent for MCMC to come to terms with the reality of the Internet and social media rather than resorting to harsh enforcement methods that are inconsistent with modern democratic demands,” he added.

He said unless MCMC could justify its action, all orders against Lowyat.net to remove the report should be immediately revoked. -FMT