PUTRAJAYA: Social media algorithms that are opaque and desig­ned to keep users addicted have become one of the greatest threats to public safety and children’s development, says Commu­nica­tions Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (pic). He said digital platform algorithms function as a “secret sauce” to ensure users repeatedly return to the apps, posing a far greater danger to children, who cannot regulate their own usage. “The three most worrying categories are sexual crimes against children, scam-related crimes and online gambling. Fahmi also highlighted the exis­tence of a Facebook group called “Awek Budak Sekolah”, which was allowed to operate by the platform despite clearly involving sexual exploi­tation of children. “These algorithms can corrupt their moral values and jeopardise their future,” he said, urging parents to be vigilant about the content their children consume.

Source: The Star December 27, 2025 10:34 UTC