Abdul Kadir, Andi Fitriah (2026) Not every friend is friendly: the evolving threat of online grooming in Malaysia. KICT Newsletter, 2026 (4). pp. 11-15. E-ISSN 3083-9904
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Abstract
This article discusses the growing threat of online child grooming in Malaysia, where offenders exploit digital platforms to build trust with children before manipulating or sexually exploiting them. It highlights the increasing prevalence of online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA), supported by recent national statistics showing rising numbers of affected children and persistent under-reporting due to stigma and limited awareness. The article explains the typical stages of the grooming process, identifies common online platforms used by offenders, and examines emerging risks associated with algorithm-driven social media recommendations. It also reviews Malaysia's legal and regulatory responses, including the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Online Safety Act 2025, and child protection initiatives introduced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Finally, the article emphasizes that legislation alone is insufficient and advocates a collaborative approach involving parents, schools, communities, and children through digital literacy, open communication, and online safety awareness to prevent grooming and protect children in the digital environment.
| Item Type: | Article (Bulletin) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | online grooming, child online exploitation, online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA), child sexual abuse material (CSAM), digital child safety, cybersecurity for children, social media risks, algorithmic grooming, For You Page (FYP) manipulation, TikTok child safety, online predators, child protection laws Malaysia, Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, Online Safety Act 2025, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), digital literacy, parental monitoring, school digital citizenship education, internet safety awareness, cyberbullying prevention, stigma in reporting abuse, child online safety education, social media regulation, internet-enabled child exploitation, online trust manipulation, internet grooming process, youth online safety policy |
| Subjects: | T Technology > T Technology (General) > T10.5 Communication of technical information |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Computer Science Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Computer Science |
| Depositing User: | Dr Andi Fitriah Abdul Kadir |
| Date Deposited: | 21 Jul 2026 17:56 |
| Last Update: | 21 Jul 2026 17:56 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-07-Q4300 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129751 |
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