Combating Online Gaming Threats in Malaysia

From immersive virtual worlds to competitive multiplayer arenas, gaming has become an integral part of daily life for billions of people around the world, including a significant portion of the Malaysian population.

Malaysians are avid gamers, with a remarkable 100 percent of people under 20 and 85 percent of the population engaged in gaming activities. To start with, 38 percent of Malaysians spend more than 16 hours a week gaming on their smartphones, and the level of engagement is driven by the excitement of advanced gameplay and the appeal of frequent collectibles and customizable in-game character traits.

As Malaysia’s gaming industry continues to develop, with revenues expected to reach US$649 million by 2024, and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) actively encourages investment and market access through events such as the Annecy Festival, the Games Developer Conference and the Tokyo Game Show, the question arises: are we doing enough to protect gamers from hidden dangers, and how can we better balance fun and safety?

Sexual predators and online exploitation

The growing threat of online predators targeting children through interactive gaming platforms in Malaysia is deeply troubling. Recent statistics from Bukit Aman’s D11 reveal that cases of exploitation through online games have almost tripled, with predators grooming children for sexual exploitation in just one hour.

Popular games with in-game chat features have become potential hunting grounds for these predators, who use sophisticated grooming techniques, from showing false sympathy to showering children with frequent compliments and offering in-game gifts. They often misrepresent their age, identify shared interests, or pose as gaming mentors to build trust with their victims.

To combat this growing threat, it is crucial that gaming platforms offer comprehensive parental controls that allow parents to monitor and restrict interactions, purchases, and in-game communications for minors. Limiting anonymous messages or requiring a “safe list” of approved contacts can further reduce the risk of predators reaching children.

In addition, proactive customer experience (CX) strategies should be deployed. These should provide a transparent and user-friendly reporting system to flag inappropriate behavior. In addition, users should be provided with real-time support to avoid potential risks or provide additional support where necessary. This will further enhance the safety and well-being of all players.

Deepfake technology

The rise of deepfake technology in Malaysia is raising alarm bells for online safety. According to the Sumsub Identity Fraud Report 2023, Malaysia saw a tenfold increase in detected deepfake incidents compared to the previous year. Predators are using the technology to create hyper-realistic fake video chats or voice conversations, potentially posing as familiar figures or even other children. This sophisticated deception can easily bypass traditional security measures, making it incredibly difficult for young gamers to identify threats.

A chilling example of the potential harm of deepfake technology recently came to light. The voice of a popular singer was exploited in a scam that used AI to replicate her appearance and speech. Victims were lured with the promise of a video call with the singer, only to be confronted with an AI-generated simulation. The Crime Branch issued a warning to the public, urging them to be cautious and verify the authenticity of all information received to avoid falling victim to such scams. This advice also applies to gamers, who may be increasingly vulnerable to these sophisticated online threats.

Have the right channels to report misconduct

Gamers need to do their part by reporting inappropriate behavior. Our insights from working for a global gaming company indicate that nearly 65 percent of players expect fast response times and therefore prefer support via live chat and Discord. This likely explains why nearly half of gamers do not report such behavior or take further action, feeling that their report will not make a difference. Gaming platforms have made strides in cracking down on bad behavior, with some implementing systems that allow players to report others for unethical practices, resulting in temporary bans for abusive players.

Examples of this include integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools to filter toxic content on the fly, and having moderators and player experience (PX) specialists investigate and address issues. However, it remains essential that gamers do their part by reporting objectionable behavior. It’s easy to understand why someone might overlook online misconduct, but every report helps create a safer gaming environment for everyone. Creating a safe community for gamers takes effort from everyone.

Educating others and creating a safe environment

While gaming offers numerous benefits and enjoyment, it is crucial for Malaysian gamers, especially the youth and their parents, to be aware of the potential risks. It is the responsibility of every gamer to ensure a safe and secure gaming environment. It is crucial to share knowledge and resources on online safety, responsible gaming practices, and mental health awareness within the community. Players should remind each other of the signs to look out for to identify malicious intent and the steps to take to prevent the misuse of personal information.

By educating others and collaboratively and proactively implementing best practices, we can create welcoming spaces where gamers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels feel respected, empowered, and free to enjoy the games they love.

Rob van Herpen is VP Global Client Solutions – Gaming & Entertainment at TDCX.

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