Shari‘ah Ethical Guidelines and the Principle of Accountability in the Use of Technology by the Malaysian Government

HRMARS - The contemporary world is witnessing a rapid expansion in the use of artificial intelligence, accompanied by unprecedented ethical challenges related to privacy, algorithmic bias, justice, and accountability. Amid ongoing global debates on the ethical governance of artificial intelligence, there is a growing need for Shar??ah-based ethical guidelines and the principle of accountability in the use of technology, to guide and develop modern technological applications in ways that are effective and beneficial for both the individual and society. Objective: This study aims to examine Shar??ah ethical guidelines and the principle of accountability in the use of technology by the Malaysian government, and to assess their suitability for addressing ethical dilemmas associated with artificial intelligence. Methodology: The study adopts analytical, deductive, and comparative approaches, and is divided into two chapters: Chapter One discusses the extent to which Shar??ah ethical guidelines are observed by users of modern technological tools and by the Malaysian government; Chapter Two addresses the principle of accountability in the use of technology. Findings: The study reveals that the Malaysian government has taken significant regulatory steps to establish ethical controls over the use of modern technology, particularly through the issuance of Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics (AIGE) guidelines and various national action plans, which contribute to achieving a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility. However, the realization of Shar??ah-based controls among technology users requires enhanced awareness and continuous education to ensure that every day technological practices remain consistent with Islamic values. The study also finds that cybercrimes have emerged as a natural social phenomenon accompanying the transition of local and global communities from the physical world to the virtual digital sphere, as human activities are increasingly transferred from real (material) environments to virtual ones; consequently, such crimes are considered transnational in nature.