The rise of illegal online activities, such as prostitution and the sale of sexually explicit content, has caught the attention of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) in Petaling Jaya. The director, Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, has issued a stern warning that those engaging in such activities will face the full force of the law. This crackdown is being carried out in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to address the growing issue of online violations.
According to MCMC statistics, from January 1, 2022, to August 1 of the same year, a total of 10,423 websites have been blocked due to various violations. Among these, 3,271 were related to online pornography, while 249 were linked to prostitution. This alarming trend has prompted the police to work closely with MCMC to tackle issues on social media platforms, particularly concerning child pornography, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Criminal Investigations Department.
One concerning finding is the emergence of „dark web“ communities on social media platforms, where individuals are selling nude photographs and pornographic videos. Some women have been observed selling explicit images of their private parts for a fee, while others are charging users to interact with them. The recent case of a pregnant woman sentenced to jail for offering prostitution services on Telegram highlights the seriousness of the situation.
The Malaysian Cyber Consumers Association president, Sirajuddin Jalil, has raised concerns about the proliferation of „dark web“ accounts on social media platforms, with many belonging to students, teenagers, and young adults. Some government servants, including teachers, have also been implicated in promoting LGBTQ content on these platforms. The anonymity provided by these accounts makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track down the perpetrators.
Cybersecurity expert Murugason R. Thangaratnam sheds light on the operations of the „dark web,“ describing it as a thriving hub for cybercrime. The encrypted networks and anonymity it offers make it a breeding ground for illegal activities, including stolen data and identity theft. While there are laws in place to address the possession, sale, or distribution of sexually explicit content, the challenge lies in enforcing these laws on social media platform operators.
In conclusion, the crackdown on illegal online activities by the CCID and MCMC is a step in the right direction to curb the spread of harmful content on the internet. It is crucial for authorities to work together with cybersecurity experts and social media platforms to ensure a safe online environment for all users. By raising awareness about the dangers of the „dark web“ and enforcing existing laws, we can protect individuals from falling victim to illicit activities online.