Govt Considers Task Force To Tackle AI Misuse In Elections
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo will propose a task force to combat the misuse of AI in elections.
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Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has confirmed that his ministry will propose setting up a dedicated task force to tackle the weaponisation of artificial intelligence (AI) during elections
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat today, 29 October, Gobind explained that while policy discussions had to occur alongside the Election Commission (EC), his ministry was prepared to deliver the underlying technical frameworks and secure digital architecture to mitigate threats.
"We can provide the framework, and we can also provide secure platform systems and so on. But on policy matters, we will sit down and discuss with them [the EC]," he said, according to the New Straits Times.
"As for whether a task force will be established, I can bring forward the proposal. I have no problem with that," Gobind added.
The response followed a question from member of parliament Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai) about safeguards against synthetic media and bad actors manipulating state and general elections.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
Image via New Straits Times / BernamaGobind emphasised that addressing emerging technologies requires a coordinated approach
He said cross-agency cooperation is critical because algorithmic disruption affects every industry and fundamentally reshapes existing governance challenges.
Meanwhile, Putrajaya is advancing the AI Governance Bill, scheduled for tabling early next year, to outline clear legal duties for organisations developing, deploying, or utilising automated tools
Under the upcoming framework, liability would depend on an entity's operational control, specific role, and exposure levels across an AI model's lifecycle.
The proposed legislation would mandate rigorous incident reporting, active risk mitigation, and rapid corrective interventions whenever algorithmic harms manifested.
Consultation feedback has been extensive with the ministry having reviewed 317 submissions across 218 organisations to refine the statutory rules.
A policy paper establishing the overarching regulatory model has been finalised for cabinet review.
