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Sharing child sexual abuse material online a heinous crime, says activist
While technology has brought countless benefits, it has also become a breeding ground for exploitation. — AI Image
KUALA LUMPUR (July 18): In today's hyperconnected world, where a single click can spread content across continents in seconds, a dark reality lurks behind the screens: the rampant and often overlooked crime of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
While society debates technology regulation and social media responsibility, the real victims are the children who remain shrouded in silence and pain.
'The act of sharing and resharing CSAM is a heinous crime. The trauma and abuse felt by child victims can last a lifetime,' says Sarawak-based social activist Voon Shiak Ni.
CSAM is not merely digital content; it is evidence of real abuse. Each time such material circulates, the children involved are re-victimized, far beyond the original act.
Through the Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS), there is a growing push to educate the public about the true nature of CSAM, not just to be seen as illegal content, but as ongoing harm to real children.
KIS urges the public to understand that every click, share, or view retraumatises victims and deepens their suffering.
True internet safety must centre the needs of survivors, and that begins with breaking the silence and building a culture of empathy, responsibility, and protection.
'The victims continue to be traumatised and re-traumatised when their abuse materials are reshared all over social media. Being helpless and having no control over this aggravates their fear and shame,' Voon stresses.
Voon Shiak Ni
Despite this horrifying reality, discussions often centre more on technology and platform accountability than on the children caught in this cycle of abuse.
Survivors of child sexual abuse often battle lifelong psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Many struggle with trust, relationships, and employment.
According to the global Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente, survivors are at higher risk of substance abuse and self-harm later in life.
'We all know that crimes like this inflict lifelong psychological scars,' Voon laments, 'Yet, the suffering of victims is often not given enough attention. Most retreat into silence, but their quietness does not mean they are alright.'
This raises a crucial question: How many of these children get the help they need? Is there even a national registry of CSAM survivors in Malaysia? The answer remains unclear.
While technology has brought countless benefits, it has also become a breeding ground for exploitation. Encrypted messaging platforms, dark web forums, and even mainstream social media are misused for distributing CSAM.
Although the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) works with international agencies to detect and remove such content, technological advances often outpace enforcement efforts.
'Cases of child pornography distribution are expected to worsen as technology facilitates these crimes,' Voon warns.
She emphasizes that those who view or share CSAM are complicit in harming the children behind the screens.
'There must be strong reminders that resharing or viewing this content is a serious crime.'
Preventing this crime and supporting victims is not just the job of authorities. The responsibility lies with all of us, specifically parents, teachers, and communities alike.
Parents, as the first line of defense, must actively guide their children's digital activities. Open conversations about personal boundaries, body autonomy, and online safety are critical.
Children need to learn to recognise inappropriate behavior and feel safe speaking up. Incorporating digital safety into daily routines including from age-appropriate restrictions to regular check-ins can be life-changing.
Parents also need to stay informed about online grooming and the platforms their children use.
Teachers, who spend significant time with children, play a vital role in detecting early warning signs of abuse.
Sudden behavioral changes like withdrawal, aggression, or poor academic performance may signal deeper issues. With proper training, educators can identify red flags and act as crucial protectors within the school system.
Communities, too, have an essential part to play. Neighbours, friends, and even casual observers can intervene when something feels off.
Signs such as a child appearing overly anxious around certain adults or displaying inappropriate sexual behavior should never be ignored.
Voon underscores the need for trauma support systems to be accessible and safe for all victims and their families.
Strengthening community-based child protection programs, neighborhood watch groups, and local support centers is vital to ensure vulnerable children do not slip through the cracks.
Although Malaysia has laws under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Penal Code, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, enforcement and public awareness remain major challenges.
While there have been stronger collaborations with international agencies like Interpol, gaps in victim support and legal processes persist.
'Is the present law in Malaysia enough to combat child pornography?' Voon asks pointedly.
'I call on the government to increase efforts to support victims, help them overcome trauma, and most importantly, give them a chance to live again.'
Stronger legislation, dedicated task forces, and better victim protection mechanisms are critical.
Furthermore, national data tracking systems must be improved to monitor prevalence, identify trends, and track survivor outcomes.
Society has often turned a blind eye to the shadowy corners of the internet, reluctant to confront the ugly truths within. But that passivity allows predators to continue their actions unchecked.
The answer should no longer be yes. Society must confront this issue with urgency and compassion. This means parents staying involved, teachers staying alert, communities staying supportive, and governments staying accountable.
Behind every shared video or image of abuse is a child who was hurt. A child who may still be suffering. A child who needs us to see them not as digital data but as a human being worth protecting. child pornography CSAM lead Voon Shiak Ni
