(Kuala Lumpur, 26th) Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi said that the opaque algorithms of social media platforms have become one of the biggest hidden threats to public safety and children's development.
He stated that these digital platforms’ algorithms act like “secret sources,” designed to ensure users continually return to the related apps. For children who are unable to self-regulate their time online, this poses an even greater danger.
“Adults may be able to stop using a certain platform due to responsibilities and commitments, but when children are exposed to these algorithms during their developmental years, especially in situations where they cannot resist, it will impact their psychological development and lead to addiction issues.”
He said so in an exclusive interview with Bernama’s Editor-in-Chief Arularasu recently. Others present included Deputy Editor-in-Chief (National News) Mohamad Sukri and Executive Editor of Economic News Sarawati.
Fahmi said that after listening to police briefings, he is concerned that this phenomenon will further intensify. The data shows that crime cases originating from social media are rising sharply—figures which truly shocked him.
“The three most worrying categories are sexual crimes against children, fraud-related crimes, and online gambling. These crimes span multiple platforms and are quite widespread.”
He also shared that, on Facebook, there was once a group called “Schoolgirls,” reportedly with 30,000 to 40,000 members, most of whom were men—this obviously involved the sexual exploitation of children, yet the platform still allowed the group to operate.
Fahmi also pointed out that public figures have likewise become victims of online fraud. For example, Professor Datuk Muhaya’s case, in which her name was used by hundreds of fake accounts to sell non-existent healthcare products, resulting in her receiving a warning letter from the Ministry of Health.
“Even though the problem is clear as day, these fake accounts are still active, showing that the relevant platforms have not taken decisive action.”
He emphasized that cybersecurity is not solely the responsibility of the government or the police—parents must also participate actively and he urged parents to always monitor the content their children are exposed to.
“Parents play a very important role. Electronic devices are not nannies and cannot replace parents. Allowing children to use electronic devices for long periods is extremely dangerous.”
“These algorithms may make our children addicted, corrupt their moral values, and endanger their future.”
Speaking about global concerns, Fahmi pointed out that the spread of misinformation and algorithmic manipulation has already caused the public in many countries to have negative perceptions of national institutions, including the issue of using artificial intelligence (AI) to defame public figures.
He reiterated that the government has no intention of suppressing freedom of speech, which aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar's stance that legal action should not be taken against critics.
However, he emphasized that freedom of speech should not be abused to spread defamation or criminal content.
“We can speak freely, but we cannot freely spread defamation to the extent that it causes serious harm to society, the nation, or even the world. This cannot be allowed.”