UNDERSTANDING MIS/DISINFORMATION LANDSCAPE IN MALAYSIA FROM THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS AS A SOURCE OF RADICALISATION

Lead Researcher: Siti Hikmah Musthar

The information ecosystem has evolved rapidly in recent years, with digital platforms playing a significant role in the widespread and open dissemination of information. Social media platforms, in particular, have become central to various activities such as socializing, knowledge sharing, and media consumption. However, their accessibility and ease of use also make them powerful tools for spreading false and misleading information. The low barriers to information exchange on social media can significantly influence public opinion and contribute to radicalisation.

In response to these ongoing challenges, this research aims to explore the role of digital platforms in the spread of misinformation and disinformation in Malaysia and their potential links to radicalisation. The study will examine the types of misinformation, their modes of dissemination, and their possible contributions to extremist ideologies. By analysing various digital platforms and assessing the impact of digital narratives on Malaysia’s social, political, and cultural landscapes, this research seeks to deepen understanding of how misinformation fuels radicalisation processes and identify effective interventions to mitigate this issue.

The study will involve stakeholders from government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Malaysia. These include the Ministry of Digital, the Ministry of Communications, the National Security Council (MKN), the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), the Ministry of National Unity, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), and CyberSecurity Malaysia.

Thematic analysis will be employed to examine narratives circulating on social media platforms and identify emerging patterns. Additionally, sentiment analysis will be utilized to map and analyse hate speech networks and their connections to extremist narratives.

As a key output, this research will include a comprehensive literature review and in-depth interviews with experts and stakeholders from various sectors. The findings will inform research-based recommendations and guidelines for counter-terrorism practitioners, policymakers, and social media platforms. The goal is not only to identify and understand current narratives related to misinformation and disinformation but also to assess the role of social media in facilitating their spread, particularly concerning terrorism-related content.

Ultimately, this research is expected to produce a monograph and several scholarly articles, contributing valuable insights to the field of countering misinformation and radicalisation in the digital age.