This report assesses the state of specific internet-related rights in Malaysia, including freedom of expression, by applying the APC-La Rue Framework.
Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER Malaysia) has used a customised version of the APC-La Rue Framework to assess Malaysia’s record on arbitrary blocking or filtering of content, criminalising of legitimate expression, imposition of internet intermediary liability, the implications of disconnecting users from the internet, cyber attacks, privacy and data protection, and internet access. However, this report will not address indicators on access as per the framework – rather, it seeks to frame access in terms of freedom of information.
With this research, EMPOWER Malaysia aims to provide a comprehensive analysis on country-specific information as to how the internet can hamper and facilitate enjoyment of human rights. The research will provide the basis to develop advocacy strategies to improve internet governance and to bring about reform on laws and policies to protect human rights, online and offline.
Status of Freedom of Expression Online: Malaysia forms part of the baseline research conducted by the project APC-IMPACT (India, Malaysia, Pakistan Advocacy for Change through Technology), which aims to address restrictions on the internet by promoting and protecting internet rights.
Written by:
- EMPOWER in collaboration with Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
Design and layout:
- Wahyudi Mohd Yunus