PETALING JAYA: Enforcement agencies should use software that can help identify harmful content relating to sexual abuse involving children, says CyberSecurity Malaysia CEO Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab.
Amirudin said that software using photo and video hashing, keyword filters and artificial intelligence (AI) can filter such content.
He said this as the government seeks to expand Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act (SOAC) 2017 to tackle the issue of online exploitation of Malaysian children by individuals residing abroad.
“Additionally, mandating regular transparency reports from social media platforms regarding how they enforce their child safety policies, detect abuse and collaborate with authorities is crucial.
“To prosecute and investigate online child sexual abuse across the country’s borders, states rely heavily on extraterritorial jurisdiction clauses.
“These legal provisions empower authorities to pursue offenders beyond their national boundaries, recognising the transnational nature of the crimes.
“Extraterritorial jurisdiction is a vital tool in addressing the challenges posed by the borderless realm of the Internet.
“This would allow coordinated efforts and international cooperation in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for the victims,” he told The Star yesterday.
Amirudin was responding to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said’s statement on the expansion of Section 3 of Act 792 on Monday.
He stressed that cross-border collaboration is essential in busting such crimes.
“Malaysia needs to engage in partnerships with other regions, facilitated by mutual legal assistance, to effectively combat the transnational occurrence of online violence, abuse and exploitation,” he added.
He said the expansion of the law will empower swift enforcement to protect children from abuse and victimisation while ensuring justice is promptly served.
“Previously, various cyber laws in Malaysia may have been placed to balance freedom of speech on social media platforms.
“But without constant monitoring and enforcement of the laws, the protection of children from being sexually exploited is never absolute.
“By strengthening the law, we strengthen the defences against those who aim to abuse and take advantage of children’s innocence and ignorance,” he said.
