Malaysia Launches AI Chatbot to Combat Fake News
Leiden, maandag, 1 september 2025.
Malaysia has launched a new AI chatbot named Aifa to verify fake news on WhatsApp. The chatbot can check messages in four languages: English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil. Minister Fahmi Fadzil emphasised that the chatbot aids in spreading reliable information and combating deepfakes and other false messages, which spread faster than the country’s internet speed.
AI Chatbot Aifa: A New Weapon Against Fake News
Malaysia has launched a new AI chatbot named Aifa to verify fake news on WhatsApp. This chatbot can check messages in four languages: English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil. Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications, emphasised that Aifa helps in spreading reliable information and combating deepfakes and other false messages, which spread faster than the country’s internet speed [1].
How Aifa Works
Aifa uses algorithms and machine learning to compare information with reliable sources. The chatbot provides users with quick and accurate verified information. Minister Fahmi Fadzil explained that Aifa currently only processes text messages, but in the future, it will be capable of accepting various types of content, including images and videos [1].
Challenges of Fake News in Malaysia
According to Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the problem of fake news in Malaysia has significantly worsened in recent years. From 2020 to January 2025, 25,114 fake news items have been removed. In 2024, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) requested the removal of 19,546 fake news items from various online platforms, of which 17,245 were effectively removed. As of January 2025, 1,575 fake news items were reported, of which 1,233 were removed [1].
Collaboration and Initiatives
The launch of Aifa is part of a broader government strategy to combat fake news. Minister Fahmi Fadzil reported that the government has also taken other measures, such as amending the MCMC Act to combat pornography, cyberbullying, and fraud. Additionally, the MCMC is working with strategic partners to develop chatbot services on WhatsApp and the Sebenarnya.my portal [1].
Practical Tips for Readers to Recognise Fake News
Despite the technological assistance of Aifa, it is important that readers remain vigilant about fake news. Here are some practical tips to recognise fake news:
- Source Verification: Always check the source of the news. Reliable news sources typically have a good reputation and a history of accurate reporting.
- Multiple Confirmation: Look for the same information in multiple sources. If a story appears in only one source, it is likely not reliable.
- Critical Thinking: Ask yourself if the story makes sense and whether it is trying to elicit emotional reactions, such as fear or anger.
- Fact-Checking Tools: Use tools like Aifa or other fact-checking websites to verify information.
- Media Literacy: Improve your media literacy by educating yourself about how news is created and disseminated.
These tips can help limit the spread of fake news and create a more reliable information environment [1][2].