Latest news with #SexualOffencesAgainstChildrenAct2017
Focus Malaysia
18 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
Digital paedophilia is still child abuse—even if the child is virtual
DIGITAL paedophilia refers to the sexual exploitation of children in virtual spaces, through tools like artificial intelligence, deepfakes, cartoons, and virtual reality. These images may be digitally generated, and the children portrayed may not even exist in real life. Yet, the intent is deeply exploitative, the gratification it feeds is criminal, and the harm it causes individually and socially is undeniable. While this form of abuse doesn't always involve contact with a child, it normalises the sexualisation of minors, perpetuates a dangerous fantasy, and fuels demand in underground networks. As a criminologist, I've seen how what initially began as 'just digital content' has the potential to desensitise consumers and eventually lead to real-world offending. It systematically erodes the legal, ethical, and societal safeguards established to protect the rights and dignity of children. This threat is amplified by the pervasive culture of online sharing. Many individuals, including parents, are drawn to posting their daily lives on social media, treating platforms like Facebook and TikTok as digital diaries. While these platforms foster connection and self-expression, they also expose users—particularly children—to serious risks. It is disturbingly easy to download images from Facebook and extract videos from TikTok, even without the content owner's knowledge or consent. Once uploaded, these digital footprints can be stolen, altered, and weaponised for exploitation. Digital paedophilia can take many forms, for instance AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that mimics realistic children in sexual scenarios; deepfakes that superimpose children's faces—often taken from social media—onto adult bodies in explicit content; illustrated pornography (such as hentai or lolicon) that sexualises underage characters; and virtual reality simulations that allow users to act out child abuse fantasies in immersive settings. What makes this even more dangerous is that it's easy to access, easy to share, and hard to trace. The perpetrators hide behind screens, usernames, and encrypted platforms. And yet, the damage is far from virtual. Malaysia has made commendable strides with the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Penal Code, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998—all of which provide mechanisms to combat traditional forms of child sexual abuse, including live-streamed exploitation. However, these laws still fall short when it comes to digital creations. Many of these materials are not technically illegal under current definitions of CSAM, because no real child was involved in their creation. But does that make them any less harmful? I would argue not. These depictions, no matter how 'virtual', are created with the intent of sexualising minors and should be recognised as forms of child sexual exploitation. Other countries have taken this step. The UK, Canada, and Australia have criminalised virtual child pornography, recognising that a legal definition limited only to real, identifiable victims is inadequate in the face of emerging technology. Therefore, Malaysia must consider doing the same. The harms of digital paedophilia are not hypothetical. Every day, images of real children—often taken innocently by their parents and shared online—are stolen, manipulated, and repurposed into sexual content. This is a profound violation of dignity, privacy, and safety. These children may never know what was done to their image, but the psychological and reputational damage can be lifelong. Unlike Denmark, which recognises an individual's legal right to their own image and personal likeness through robust copyright and data protection laws, Malaysia currently lacks explicit legal provisions that grant individuals—particularly children—ownership and control over the use of their personal images. This legal vacuum leaves Malaysian children especially vulnerable to digital exploitation, with limited recourse or protection under current frameworks. Moreover, digital abuse fuels cognitive distortions in those with paedophilic tendencies. Studies show that repeated exposure to virtual CSAM lowers inhibition, increases desensitisation, and can serve as a gateway to contact offences. As a society, we cannot afford to wait until a physical child is harmed to institute any action. The damage begins long before that. Therefore, an effective and urgent response is required. This includes amending existing laws to explicitly cover digitally created and AI-generated child sexual abuse material. We must criminalise intent and impact, not just physical involvement. Social media platforms, app developers, and AI companies must also be held accountable for detecting, reporting, and removing exploitative content—technological innovation must not come at the expense of child safety. Digital literacy should no longer be seen as optional. Parents, children, and educators must be equipped with the knowledge to understand the risks of oversharing online and how personal images can be misused. Every policy, investigation, and reform effort must place the child at the centre—not merely as a legal category, but as a human being deserving of dignity, protection, and justice. Digital paedophilia sits at the intersection of technological progress and moral regression. As artificial intelligence and virtual reality continue to advance, so too does the capacity to simulate harm, commodify children, and conceal abuse behind layers of code. But just because the abuse is virtual does not mean it is any less real. The law must evolve to meet this challenge because every child, whether real or digitally represented, deserves to be safe from sexual exploitation. ‒ July 24, 2025 Dr Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid is a Criminologist and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Unsplash/jin Woo Lee
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Teen sent to Henry Gurney School for sexually assaulting minor
MUAR: The Sessions Court today ordered a teenage boy with a disability), who was charged with physical sexual assault against a female acquaintance on a motorcycle, to be detained at Henry Gurney School until he turns 21. The 18-year-old accused pleaded guilty after the charge was read to him by a court interpreter before judge Sayani Mohd Nor. He was ordered to begin serving the sentence today at Henry Gurney School in Telok Mas, Melaka, in accordance with Section 76 of the Child Act 2001 (Act 611). According to the charge, the teenager, who works at an orchard, committed the act against his 15-year-old acquaintance on a parked motorcycle by an irrigation canal in Tangkak around 3.15pm on May 25. The offence falls under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for physical sexual assault, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment and whipping upon conviction. The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutor Othman Affan Ismail. The accused was unrepresented. The court also ordered the teen to be placed under police supervision for one year after completing his sentence.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Saifuddin: 46,086 cybercrime cases probed last year
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 46,086 investigation papers were opened last year in connection with various cyber-related offences, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the cases were investigated under several key laws, including the Computer Crimes Act 1997, Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. "Of the total, the prosecution rate reached 49 per cent," he said in response to Chong Zhemin (PH–Kampar), who inquired about the number of reported cybercrime cases in 2024 and the measures taken by the ministry to enhance public digital security. Saifuddin added, "Although from the police's perspective, we feel the investigation papers are yielding results, the public's expectations are higher." Meanwhile, on the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), now operating under the direct leadership of the police, Saifuddin said the centre would operate 24/7. "Previously, there were complaints about the NSRC's limited operating hours, even though scams can happen at any time. Therefore, we will now operate around the clock, seven days a week. "Currently, we receive an average of 500 scam-related calls daily, and this trend is increasing — so we must respond accordingly." He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had agreed for the Public Service Department to consider approving 139 new positions to strengthen the NSRC. The NSRC is a joint initiative between the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre, the police, Bank Negara Malaysia, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, financial institutions, and the telecommunications industry.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Man, son arrested over sexual assault of 13-year-old
BALIK PULAU: Police have detained a father and son for sexual offences against their own family member over the past two years. The sexual abuse began when the girl was 13 and continued until she turned 15. The most recent incident took place on July 8 at their apartment in Bayan Lepas. Southwest district police chief Assistant Commissioner Sazalee Adam said at about 11pm on that day, the victim was summoned by her father into the bedroom to pass her some pocket money for school. The man had allegedly sexually molested the victim, an incident which happened often since she was 13. He said the victim was also raped several times by her brother since she was 13, for a year. "The victim related the incident to her mother about 1pm last Friday after the woman wanted her son to look after the girl, who often skipped school. "The victim then came to the police station to report the incident," he said tonight. Following the report, Sazalee said police arrested the 52-year-old father and his 22-year-old son. The father had no prior record, while the son did. Investigations revealed the abuse occurred when the victim was alone at home. "The last rape incident happened mid-2024 by her brother. "The victim was referred to the Penang Hospital for examination," he added. Sazalee said both suspects have been remanded since last Saturday. The case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape and Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
Filter, monitor: Every parent's role to safeguard children online
By equipping families to monitor, communicate, and set healthy boundaries online, Kempen Internet Selamat reinforces the message that internet safety starts at home but requires the involvement of all. – AI Image KUALA LUMPUR: Today's children are more digitally connected than ever, with access to games, learning tools, and social media at their fingertips but, this connectivity brings serious risks, especially from child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Many people think only the government or police can tackle this, but experts say that keeping children safe is a shared responsibility for everyone. The Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS) continues to prioritise public education on the importance of digital safety, especially in addressing the threat of CSAM. The campaign promotes practical tools and family-based strategies to empower parents in their role as digital guardians. By equipping families to monitor, communicate, and set healthy boundaries online, KIS reinforces the message that internet safety starts at home but requires the involvement of all. 'Addressing CSAM is not solely the responsibility of the police or the government, it is a responsibility we all share,' says David Ho, Founder and Executive director of Navigator Asia Business Sdn Bhd and parent. David Ho With predators exploiting every gap in oversight and awareness, a collective approach is essential to build multiple layers of protection. The Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 in Malaysia further underscores this collective responsibility, requiring anyone who becomes aware of child sexual abuse to report it immediately. Parents and guardians are the first line of defense against these threats. Ho emphasises that 'parents need to build open communication with their children, making it safe for them to discuss uncomfortable issues.' By creating an environment where children feel comfortable sharing, parents can identify early signs of grooming or inappropriate behavior. Monitoring is another crucial component where parents should regularly check their children's devices, friend lists, and browsing history. Setting clear digital boundaries through family internet agreements can help outline appropriate online behavior, define prohibited websites, and establish consequences for violations. Ho also stresses that 'families need to stay informed about the latest trends and risks to guide their children effectively.' In addition to proactive parenting, technology provides powerful tools for safeguarding children online. Parental control software like Bark and Qustodio offers comprehensive features including content filtering, screen time management, and AI-based monitoring of social media interactions. These solutions help detect issues such as cyberbullying, inappropriate texting, and mental health red flags before they escalate. At the network level, router-based parental controls can block harmful content for all devices connected to the home Wi-Fi. Device-specific controls, often built into smartphones and tablets, allow parents to set screen time limits and restrict access to age-inappropriate content. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), together with local telcos, has introduced initiatives to make these tools more accessible to families nationwide. Content filtering technologies are also indispensable in the fight against online exploitation. Automated systems leveraging cryptographic hashing and AI-powered image classifiers can detect and block CSAM in real time. These systems adapt to new tactics as predators evolve, preventing exposure to harmful content and supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting detected material. Despite these tools, the most advanced technology cannot replace vigilance. Parents and caregivers should watch for warning signs that a child might be exposed to harmful content. Sudden changes in behavior, excessive secrecy about online activities, unexplained gifts, and knowledge of sexual topics beyond their age are all red flags. Other grooming indicators include adults isolating the child, giving gifts without parental consent, or encouraging the child to keep secrets. Community involvement plays a critical role in child online safety. Awareness campaigns, school-based digital literacy programmes, and family-centered workshops are vital for educating both children and adults. 'Community awareness increases vigilance and promotes reporting of suspicious behavior,' says Ho. Programmes such as Vietnam's 'Swipe Safe' have shown that community-driven education can significantly improve protective behaviors and awareness among young people and their families. Peer networks also empower children to support each other. When young people are educated about online safety, they are more likely to recognise grooming tactics and alert adults or friends. This peer-to-peer approach is highly effective in creating a protective environment around children. Collaboration between public institutions, the private sector, and civil society organisations further strengthens child protection efforts. Through resource sharing, joint training, and coordinated responses, these partnerships can develop advanced detection technologies and provide essential support services for victims and families. Malaysia's adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection of Children from all Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse and its national Plan of Action on Child Online Protection highlight the importance of these collaborations. Technology companies also play a significant role in combating CSAM. They must implement advanced detection systems, enforce strict age verification processes, and provide easy-to-use reporting tools for users. Transparency reports that detail efforts to combat CSAM can build public trust and encourage ongoing improvements. Furthermore, companies should maintain close cooperation with law enforcement and child protection organizations to ensure swift responses to emerging threats. Continuous updates to AI moderation systems help keep pace with new evasion techniques used by predators. Ultimately, the fight against CSAM and online exploitation requires an unwavering commitment from every sector of society. As parents, teachers, community members, and digital citizens, they all have a role in protecting children and seeing the red flags. By combining strong family communication, robust monitoring, community involvement, and technological safeguards, coming together can create a safer online environment for our children. Ho explains that parents and community, 'Make the Internet a safer place for the next generation.' This call to action serves as a powerful reminder that a community can disrupt the cycles of harm and build a digital future where children can learn, connect, and explore safely. Through collective action and constant vigilance, the solutions to these challenges are within reach. As the community continues to strengthen the defenses and educate communities, it can ensure that the internet becomes a space for growth and discovery rather than exploitation and danger.
