Concerns about Data Privacy and Security Rising Among Malaysians

A recent study from Telenor Asia revealed that a majority of Malaysians are growing increasingly worried about data privacy and security. The study found that 63% of Malaysians are concerned about these issues, with one in three young Malaysians going so far as to switch off their devices due to these concerns. The study, which is in its second year, surveyed over 8,000 mobile internet users across several Asian countries.

One of the study’s most notable findings was that Malaysians are among the most connected people in the region. An overwhelming 89% of Malaysian users are recorded to be on their devices for more than half a day, with 73% expecting to increase their mobile usage in the future. Concerns about data privacy and security were particularly prevalent among Malaysian youths aged 18 to 29, who expressed worries about keeping up with technological advances and a potential skills gap that could expose them to scams and security breaches.

What’s more, the study also revealed that 90% of Malaysians are particularly concerned about the online safety of elderly and vulnerable family members. This growing awareness of the importance of data privacy and security has underscored the need for digital education, with educators playing a crucial role in raising awareness among young Malaysians.

Despite these concerns, the study also showed that 83% of Malaysians believe that mobile use has increased productivity in the workplace. Additionally, three in four participants indicated support for using generative artificial intelligence (AI) at work. This positive attitude towards using new technologies is seen as a promising development.

The importance of transparency in data practices was also highlighted. It was noted that consumers are paying closer attention to how their data is being used by organizations, and that trust in data management plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes towards data privacy and security.

In other technology news, Luxembourg-based satellite telecommunications network provider SES has launched its fifth and sixth satellites, aiming to provide high-performance connectivity services around the globe. Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia are among the Southeast Asian countries set to benefit from this satellite launch. The focus on Malaysia comes as SES aims to address the increasing demand for network capacity in the country.

On the digital economy front, Malaysia’s gross merchandise value (GMV) is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, reaching between US$45 billion and US$70 billion by 2030. The country’s travel recovery and the rapid acceleration of e-commerce are expected to be key drivers of this growth.

However, amidst these technological advances, concerns about GPS spoofing, a technique where false location information is sent to GPS receivers, have also come to the fore. Incidents of GPS spoofing have resulted in navigational system failures in aircraft flying over the Middle East, raising concerns about the potential security implications of such disruptions.

The intersection of technology and concerns about security and privacy highlights the importance of educating consumers and organizations about digital safety. As new technologies continue to emerge, it is essential to strike a balance between leveraging the opportunities they offer and safeguarding against potential risks. This requires a concerted effort from stakeholders across various sectors, including the government, private companies, and individuals, as cybersecurity continues to be a pressing concern for the digital age.