Deepfake child sexual abuse victims in Malaysia speak out: 'Like animals trapped in a circus'

Malaysian victims of deepfake child sexual abuse material are sharing their painful experiences, describing a feeling of being trapped and voiceless. In recent interviews, they detailed how synthetic images and videos of themselves were created and shared online, often without their knowledge. The victims, primarily children and teenagers, spoke of the despair and frustration in seeking justice. Current Malaysian laws do not specifically address deepfake-generated child sexual abuse content, leaving prosecutors to rely on broader provisions that may not fully capture the harm. The process of having the material removed and identifying perpetrators is slow, with platforms often unresponsive. Family members and advocacy groups are calling for urgent legal reforms to recognize digital sexual abuse and provide faster relief. The emotional toll is severe, with victims reporting anxiety, shame, and social withdrawal. Experts note that the technology to create deepfakes is becoming cheaper and more accessible, increasing the risk for more young people. As awareness grows, there is pressure on the government to update the Penal Code and the Communications and Multimedia Act to specifically criminalize deepfake CSAM. The victims' courage in speaking out has sparked a national conversation about online safety and the need for better support systems.