PROTECTING MALAYSIA'S TECHNOLOGICAL AUTONOMY: INNOVATIVE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORKS TO COUNTER DIGITAL HEGEMONIES

Abstract

This study investigates the manifestations and impacts of digital colonialism in Malaysia and proposes legal and regulatory reforms to safeguard the nation's digital sovereignty. Digital colonialism, characterized by the exploitation of data, digital infrastructure, and online platforms by powerful technology companies from the Global North, poses significant challenges to Malaysia's economic, social, cultural, and political fabric. Through a qualitative methodology combining theoretical analysis, case studies, and comparative policy research, the study finds that digital colonialism in Malaysia takes the form of economic domination by foreign technology giants, imperial control and surveillance capitalism, technological dependency, and the erosion of cultural identity in the digital sphere. The existing legal framework, including the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Competition Act 2010, proves inadequate in addressing these challenges. Drawing lessons from the regulatory approaches of other Global South nations like India and Indonesia, the study recommends a comprehensive reform strategy encompassing the strengthening of data protection and privacy laws, regulating dominance in the digital market, promoting indigenous innovation capacities, fostering digital literacy, and forging strategic regional coalitions. By adopting a proactive and context-sensitive approach to digital governance, Malaysia can effectively assert its technological sovereignty and foster an inclusive digital economy that serves its national interests and citizenry.