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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.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Malaysia's fight against CSAM: Why shared responsibility is key
Many adults hesitate to report CSAM when they encounter it, unsure whether they are allowed to, afraid of the stigma, or worried about making things worse for the child involved. – AI Image KUALA LUMPUR (July 20): The internet has transformed how children learn, play, and connect but it has also opened the door to new and deeply disturbing forms of harm. Among the most serious of these is the growing circulation of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), which represents a profound violation of a child's safety, dignity, and rights. In Malaysia and around the world, alarming spikes in online child sexual exploitation and abuse have made it clear that this is no longer a hidden problem. It has become a public crisis that requires urgent, collective action. The Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS) plays a pivotal role in encouraging public involvement and legal reform in the fight against CSAM. The campaign emphasises that online safety requires ordinary citizens to understand the signs, know how to report abuse, and demand accountability from platforms and policymakers. Educating the public is a vital first step in dismantling the silence that allows online child exploitation to persist. CSAM is a severe violation of a child's dignity and safety where in 2023 alone, there were 32 million reports of CSAM worldwide, with over 90 percent of the images being self-generated, often through coercion, manipulation, or blackmail. Alarmingly, cases involving very young children, even those between the ages of 3 and 6, have been on the rise. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Malaysia recorded 197,659 reports of suspected CSAM through its CyberTipline in 2024. That same year, the Internet Watch Foundation Malaysia reported 8,600 actionable cases. One of the reasons this crisis persists is the silence that surrounds it. Many adults hesitate to report CSAM when they encounter it, unsure whether they are allowed to, afraid of the stigma, or worried about making things worse for the child involved. This silence from surrounding adults is enabling harm to continue and further traumatise the victims. As Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) member Gill Raja, aptly puts it, 'If we don't take appropriate action, we are complicit.' Inaction allows CSAM to circulate, and that can lead to further exploitation, blackmail, and psychological trauma for the victim. Reporting CSAM is the first step towards taking it down. Yet many people, including victims, fear that reporting could draw more attention or lead to further harm. 'This is why trusted, child-friendly channels to report are so important. Accessible, confidential reporting options must be widely known and easy to use,' Gill emphasizes. Gill also warns of the risks of turning a blind eye, 'The child could continue to be exploited and abused to create more material if those doing this remain in contact with them or have passed on their details to others.' Gill Raja She reminds us that failing to act means becoming part of the problem, 'If we don't take appropriate action, we are complicit in harming them. We need to protect each other's children to make the internet a safe place.' The good news is, everyone has a role to play in ending this. Shared responsibility is not just a slogan, it is the only viable solution. Parents, teachers, corporations, social media platforms, government agencies, non-profits, and everyday citizens all have unique roles and tools they can mobilise to fight this crisis. The internet may be vast and borderless, but so is society's capacity to protect the children if everyone acts together to protect the children. For individuals, reporting CSAM is a critical first step. Safe and confidential channels exist but remain underutilised due to lack of public awareness. Malaysians can report abuse directly via the Childline Foundation portal, which connects to the Internet Watch Foundation's global takedown system. The Talian Kasih 15999 hotline and Cyber999 portal also offer accessible, sometimes anonymous, options. As Gill highlights, 'We need more awareness and easy access so as soon as people see CSAM, they can easily see how to report. This requires a stronger response from social media platforms than we currently have. 'Every report is a crucial step in reducing stress on a child and shows that you care and are standing by them,' she says. At a community level, adults or caretakers must normalise discussions around online safety where children need to be taught, in age-appropriate and culturally relevant ways, how to protect themselves, recognise risks, and seek help. However, equally, the adults in their lives including parents, teachers, guardians must have the knowledge and tools to respond appropriately when abuse is disclosed. Gill notes that current efforts fall short. 'We need to reach all children in age, language, and culturally appropriate ways that effectively engage them, plus informing the adults in their lives too.' She stresses the need for training not only for children, but also for adults, who must understand 'how they may inadvertently put their children at risk by sharing photos online or how young people are themselves being sucked into viewing and sometimes producing CSAM.' Media and tech platforms also bear tremendous responsibility. Safety-by-design should no longer be optional. Platforms must be required to proactively screen, detect, and remove CSAM. They must offer easy-to-use reporting tools that children and adults can find without difficulty. While some platforms are making progress, others have scaled back moderation just as AI-generated CSAM is on the rise. As Gill observes, 'Some major platforms have recently cut back on their vetting processes just as we are seeing a surge of material being produced including using AI. This is unacceptable.' Laws and policies must also evolve rapidly. While Malaysia has the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, there is no legal requirement for platforms or ISPs to take down or report CSAM promptly. Nor are there age-verification or parental consent mechanisms for online access. These loopholes allow predators to exploit vulnerable users and make law enforcement's job more difficult. That's why advocates are pushing for a harmonised legal framework that outlines the responsibilities of both public institutions and private companies. A designated national lead agency with the resources and authority to coordinate efforts across sectors is essential. This body could ensure consistent reporting mechanisms, facilitate international cooperation, and manage end-to-end victim support systems including helplines, counselling and legal assistance. Access to psychological care, legal aid, and rehabilitation must be expanded to help the victims cope before trauma becomes permanent. Services must be inclusive and sensitive to each child's age, gender, ability, and background. A single, toll-free, 24/7 national child helpline staffed by trained professionals could be a lifeline. Prevention efforts should also include nationwide digital literacy campaigns that teach children and adults about healthy online behaviour, consent, and boundaries. Ultimately, protecting children online is not the sole responsibility of parents, teachers, or the police. It is a collective duty. 'Today we are part of a huge global, internet 'village,'' says Gill. 'We have to give children a path back. Every time we educate, report, and intervene, we are part of the solution.' This is not just about fighting abuse. It is about defending every child's right to grow up free from exploitation and fear. Every child deserves that chance and every adult has the power to make it happen. child pornography CSAM Gill Raja lead
Borneo Post
17-07-2025
- Borneo Post
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
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Safeguarding children online: Combating the growing threat of CSAM in Malaysia
Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals must remain vigilant and proactive but many Malaysian families still hold misconceptions about online safety and the risks it poses. — AI Image KUALA LUMPUR (July 16): Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) refers to any content that depicts the sexual abuse or exploitation of children. It is a serious crime and a severe violation of a child's rights and dignity. As children increasingly spend time online through social media, games, and other digital platforms, they are more exposed to risks such as online grooming, manipulation, and exploitation. This makes them highly susceptible to harm, as offenders can easily reach and target them through the very spaces they use daily. The growing presence of CSAM in the digital world highlights the urgent need to protect children and educate them, as well as parents and communities, about online safety. As part of the broader efforts under the Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS), raising awareness about Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) has become a critical national priority. In today's digital world, educating the public, especially parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders on internet safety is essential to protect children. CSAM is a severe and lasting trauma that demands a united and informed response. Through greater vigilance, open dialogue, and coordinated action, together as a society can build safer online spaces for every child. Dato' Dr Amar Singh Dato' Dr Amar Singh, consultant paediatrician and child-disability activist, warns that CSAM is not merely explicit material. 'CSAM involves sexually explicit images or videos of a child or adolescent. It is a record of a crime against a child and a permanent record of the child's victimisation and trauma,' said Dr Amar. 'The Internet allows for the widespread sharing and distribution of CSAM, which can cause lifelong psychological distress to most children, even as adults. This re-victimises the child again and again.' According to Dr Amar, the psychological impact of CSAM on young victims is profound and devastating. 'Those victimised by CSAM have significant psychosocial trauma resulting in anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal tendencies. They feel hopeless and experience a loss of control over the continued circulation of their images,' he explained. 'More importantly, they have great difficulty in trusting others and forming meaningful relationships.' This deep emotional wound does not stop at the child. Dr Amar said: 'These psychological and emotional struggles are also felt by their parents and siblings, disrupting family relationships. At times, parents unreasonably vent their anger on the child who was abused.' The easy accessibility of CSAM online also has far-reaching effects on other children. It can heighten sexuality and lead to increased sexual activities among youth, sometimes even resulting in children exploiting other children. The introduction of AI-generated CSAM has further complicated the problem, as this material can be produced and circulated without a child's knowledge or direct involvement. One of the greatest challenges lies in identifying the signs that a child might have been exposed to or is being groomed online. In his book 'Cybersafety: A Handbook for Parents & Children', Dr Amar shares some critical behavioural red flags. These include a child becoming nervous or emotional when online, being overly secretive about their digital life, sudden social withdrawal, unexplained changes in behaviour or academic performance, mood swings, and a sudden refusal to use their devices. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals must remain vigilant and proactive. Many Malaysian families, however, still hold misconceptions about online safety and the risks it poses. They often believe that monitoring screen time alone is sufficient or that their child would always inform them of problems. In reality, as Dr Amar stressed many children do not disclose online abuse due to fear of punishment, embarrassment, or losing access to their devices. The circulation of CSAM through private messaging apps and encrypted platforms has further complicated matters. Adolescents who unintentionally come across such material may suffer from shock, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. According to Dr Amar, the loss of a safe online space and the guilt associated with accidental exposure can have lasting psychological repercussions. Creating a safe, open environment for children to discuss uncomfortable or inappropriate content is crucial. Dr Amar advocates for honest, non-judgmental communication at home. 'Attempts to scare children about online risks usually do not work,' he wrote. 'Our children and teenagers are naturally curious and need open and honest communication, a safe environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and discussing their concerns about online sexual material without fear of judgment.' Schools, paediatricians, and community mental health workers also play vital roles. Schools can integrate cybersafety education into their curriculum, helping children understand boundaries and identify grooming behaviour. Paediatricians can support parents by providing guidance during consultations, and community mental health workers can create support systems for at-risk children and their families. Dr Amar highlighted the need for collective responsibility in protecting children. 'Preventing children and teenagers from sexual abuse and exploitation requires a combination of education, open communication in families, setting boundaries and fostering safe online behaviour, with governmental protection to ensure online safety for children,' he said. Adults have a responsibility to actively engage in safeguarding children's digital experiences. This includes knowing their children's online friends, monitoring screen activities, and fostering discernment in using social media. The recently enacted Online Safety Act 2024 empowers the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to regulate online safety, but more needs to be done to ensure its effectiveness. Dr Amar also underscored the importance of society's role as a watchdog. Communities should remain vigilant, report predatory online sites and individuals to the MCMC, and support efforts to create safer digital environments. For children who have been affected by CSAM-related trauma, therapeutic strategies play an essential role in recovery. According to insights from Dr Amar's book, trauma-informed therapy, supportive counseling, and family-based interventions help victims rebuild trust, regain a sense of safety, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. These approaches must be compassionate and tailored to each child's unique emotional needs. The issue of CSAM is a complex, multifaceted problem requiring urgent attention and coordinated action. As Dr Amar emphasised the combination of familial involvement, community vigilance, and governmental intervention can help safeguard children's psychological well-being in digital spaces. This problem demands a unified approach from all sectors of society for it to be solved. In a digital era where dangers often lurk behind screens, protecting children from CSAM and online exploitation is not merely a parental duty but a collective societal imperative. As the country strives to build a safer online environment, it is vital to remember Dr Amar's words and commit to creating a world where every child can navigate the internet safely and grow into adulthood free from the scars of digital abuse. Child Sexual Abuse Material Dr Amar Singh Kempen Internet Selamat lead
Daily Express
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
MOE's cooperation crucial for safe internet campaign in schools
Published on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 15, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: KENINGAU: The Communications Ministry hopes the Ministry of Education (MOE) will continue to support the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS) so that the programme can be carried out in schools as part of efforts to improve digital literacy among students. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said this was important as KIS educates both primary and secondary school students about internet safety, given its increasing usage today. Advertisement She said the campaign's content is tailored to suit the students' age levels — Level One for Years One to Three and Level Two for Years Four to Six, as well as secondary schools. 'We are requesting cooperation from the MOE to allow us into schools so we can involve schools in educating students on how to stay safe online. 'For primary schools, KIS will carry out interactive activities to help them understand. They may not need too much exposure to issues like online gambling and scams, but cyberbullying is one of the key issues they might face,' she told reporters after attending the KIS programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasir Puteh, here, Monday. Teo said the KIS programme, launched on Jan 21, focuses on four areas — cyberbullying, online scams and gambling, child sexual exploitation and data protection and digital literacy — and aims to reach over 10,000 educational institutions by the end of this year. She said school students are also provided with information on child sexual exploitation, which is seen as one of the issues they may encounter. A total of 344 schools nationwide are targeted to be involved in the KIS rollout from May to August this year, including 64 schools in Sabah. 'As of July 1, the programme has been implemented in 221 schools, involving 31,246 participants, comprising students, teachers and parents,' she said, adding that aside from schools, the campaign also receives support from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in developing engaging co-curricular activities. Earlier, in a Facebook post, Teo shared that she attended the Mukim Luagan Community Outreach Programme organised by Pertubuhan Pelangi Harapan Sabah, in collaboration with various agencies, including the Keningau District Health Office, Social Security Organisation, National Anti-Drugs Agency and Keningau District Information Office. 'Health awareness is extremely important, especially with Malaysia expected to become an ageing nation by 2030. Grassroots outreach initiatives like this are among the best ways to ensure no one is left behind,' she said. Pertubuhan Pelangi Harapan Chairman Grelydia Gillod said the initiative aims to help the Government disseminate information to local communities about what the Madani government is doing for the people. She expressed hope that more government agencies will take part in future programmes and share information about their respective roles in serving the public. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
