Online Safety Bill to fix a 'lacuna' in law - Fahmi

The Online Safety Bill is a move to fix the gap or a “lacuna” in the law or legal system as there is currently no precise definition for bullying crimes, including cyberbullying, in the country, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.

A “lacuna in the law” is the term given to any situation where there is no applicable law in place.

“This bill will be brought to Parliament to ensure that, in general, our internet is safe for children and families.

“...and that we will be able to take stern action against cyberbullies, as a government study indicates that there is currently no precise definition for bullying crimes, including cyberbullying,” he told a post-cabinet meeting press conference today.

Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, said that the bill will be tabled in Parliament for its first reading in the current session and is expected to be tabled for a second reading in early December.

The minister previously announced that the bill was part of measures to better address online safety issues, especially those involving scams, online gambling, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children, which are rapidly moving to social media.

He said today’s cabinet meeting also agreed in principle to the proposed amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code related to cyberbullying, and that the relevant bills would also be tabled in this Parliament session.

- Bernama

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