Tech-Facilitated Abuse and Its Threats to Democracy and Human Security in Southeast Asia

This panel discussion will address the growing threat posed by malign actors—both transnational state and non-state—who are increasingly exploiting technologies such as borderless internet platforms, social media, generative AI tools, and digital currencies to conduct sophisticated operations that undermine democratic institutions, public security, and social cohesion. These operations span a wide range of harmful activities, including the dissemination of extremist content, propaganda aimed at influencing election outcomes, online scams, doxxing, child grooming, and coordinated disinformation campaigns. Such abuses have a profound impact on vulnerable communities, fostering fear, insecurity, and, in the worst cases, direct victimisation.

Governments typically respond by enforcing or amending laws to curb tech-facilitated abuses. However, these efforts often face significant limitations, including enforcement challenges at lower administrative levels, capacity constraints, and the rapid pace of technological advancement, which frequently outpaces regulatory frameworks. While legal measures are essential, they are often insufficient on their own to address the full complexity of digital threats.

Technology companies also bear substantial responsibility for moderating harmful content on their platforms. Although many platforms have introduced measures to enhance moderation and improve user safety, these steps are often criticised as reactive rather than preventive. Persistent concerns remain that platforms fail to tackle the root causes of harmful content effectively, leaving substantial gaps in protection. These companies also encounter operational challenges, including balancing freedom of expression with content regulation, managing vast volumes of data, and navigating different legal jurisdictions.

The discussion will examine:

• The tactics used by malign actors to exploit technology including internet, generative AI, and digital currencies and how they evade legal frameworks and platform regulations;
• Strategies for strengthening multi-stakeholder cooperation to enhance accountability, including disrupting malign networks through information sharing and coordinated action;
• Holistic approaches to address these challenges, including education, digital literacy, and victim-centred support mechanisms;
• Values for safeguarding human rights while ensuring security and accountability.

This session aims to bring together representatives from civil society, law enforcement, the tech industry, and media to deepen participants’ understanding of the evolving threats posed by tech abuse and to identify practical, collaborative solutions to safeguard democracy, security, and social cohesion in an increasingly digital world.

1. Aizat Shamsuddin
   Founder & Director, INITIATE.MY, Malaysia
2. Suyin Chia
   Researcher, INITIATE.MY, Malaysia
3. Hari Shankar
   Data Analyst, INITIATE.MY, Malaysia
4. Justine Marie Fuentes
   Education and Research Officer, UP Internet Freedom Network, Philippines
5. Ika Ningtyas
   Fact-Checking Coordinator, TEMPO, Indonesia
6. Vox Populi
   Senior Researcher Myanmar Internet Project, Myanmar