TAWAU: Social media users, particularly influencers, are warned not to misuse Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to create fabricated content that could cause public panic simply to gain attention through high “hits”.
This refers to the trend of generating AI content designed to achieve high engagement – a term used to describe posts that go viral or attract significant attention through likes, clicks, visits or view counts.
Tawau Police Chief ACP Jasmin Hussin said if this trend is allowed to persist, the public may be exposed to a flood of irresponsible fake information, leading to confusion between factual news and purely fabricated content.
“We remind all parties not to get involved in creating or spreading false information, such as accidents, murders, or horrific incidents that do not actually exist but are shared as if they truly occurred,” he said at the 219th Police Day celebrations at Tawau District Police Headquarters (IPD) on Wednesday afternoon. The event also saw the presentation of certificates of appreciation to 11 mainstream media practitioners, including two journalists from the Daily Express.
He reminded all parties to be responsible for their shares and to avoid excessive AI manipulation, which is feared not only to cause public alarm but also to threaten national security.
“That is why I emphasise that the public, especially social media users, should not accept any news they receive at face value without verification, nor should they immediately believe everything they see on social media.
“Refer to reliable sources such as mainstream media, which have close ties with the police institution, to verify claims – including wild, baseless speculations that are spread indiscriminately,” he added.
According to him, in line with these developments, the close cooperation between the police and mainstream media will continue as a medium for conveying accurate and correct information to the public through high-integrity news reports based on official statements from authorities, free from fabrication.
Furthermore, he believes that mainstream media plays a vital role in countering wild speculations arising on social media platforms by publishing authentic, credible news reports authorised by the authorities.
“I see that the established partnership between mainstream media and the police can provide a positive impact in terms of delivering authentic news, while simultaneously informing the public about current events as they happen.
“Journalists’ reports also enable the community to take appropriate action in our efforts to prevent crime; therefore, we hope this cooperation continues to achieve the goal of a safe and prosperous Tawau,” he said.
He added that the long-standing tradition of close relations between both parties serves as a bridge between the authorities and the community, ensuring that shared messages are delivered responsibly, as required by the police leadership.
