Before we terminate an account, we would contact the user to seek confirmation as to whether he or she actually acted irresponsibly. Some have actually apologised to us, admitting their mistake, using ignorance as an excuse. Nobody really took notice before but people have suddenly realised the danger and what these messages can lead to if they don't report them. He adds that Mimos had, in fact, sent messages to its subscribers after the Aug 7 incident, advising them to be careful of any rumours circulating via e-mail and reminding them not to spread messages from suspicious sources or with uncorroborated content. Users were instead invited to submit such messages to Mimos.
Internet users know how and what to take seriously.
He's convinced that most Malaysian Internet users can determine the authenticity of any message, and newsgroups provide an avenue for users to discuss issues of concern. Dr Mohamed emphasises that it would be wrong to blame the Internet for the rumours. He also disagrees with critics who say the Net must be censored. Rumours can be spread through telephone lines, but this doesn't mean they have to be cut, he notes. But because of the rumour-mongering incident, he thinks people now realise the limits of the Internet and will 'think a little bit more before they do anything.