The rapid growth of digital technologies, while enabling avenues for online expression, has also facilitated the proliferation of disinformation and ‘harmful’ content. In Malaysia, where ethno-religious ideology is deeply politicised, marginalised groups – such as women, girls, and LGBTQI+ individuals – face heightened risks, particularly to their freedom of expression and right to privacy. As a result of their expression, they are often subjected to various forms of online gender-based violence (OGBV) – including doxxing, sexual harassment, online mob attacks, threats of bodily harm, AI-generated explicit content. These attacks have led them to practice self-policing and censorship based on the perceived reactions of their audience.
One example is the presence of bias in algorithms used by social media, which can reinforce and amplify existing gender stereotypes and inequalities. While OGBV has its roots in existing structural gender inequalities, it is also a consequence of social media’s algorithms that prioritise and incentivise high-engagement content, regardless of the information’s potential harm.
The Malaysian Government has primarily responded to disinformation and ‘harmful’ content through heavy-handed legal measures. These include disproportionate and vaguely worded laws, such as the Online Safety Act 2024, and a restrictive social media licensing framework that risk far-reaching implications for freedom of expression. Recently, the government also announced that they are looking into the Anti Bullying Tribunal Bill to deal with bullying issues in the country. Of concern, broad definitions of ‘harmful’ content will likely result in increased censorship of legitimate expression. At the same time, there’s a significant risk of overlooking real harm, such as legitimate harassment or threats, which may necessitate immediate action from authorities or social media platforms. Additionally, excessive powers granted to authorities to conduct surveillance without safeguards have raised concerns about privacy and due process.
In light of the above, ARTICLE 19, in partnership with the Centre of Independent Journalism (CIJ), is looking to award small grants to selected young women human rights defenders (HRDs) aimed at supporting their efforts to monitor or develop research on data governance to assess and document progress and gaps in the Malaysian government’s and social media platforms’ efforts to protect women and HRDs online. Selected applicants will also be given ad hoc tailored guidance and technical support, as well as training on secure research and documentation practices, with a view to strengthening both national and international advocacy initiatives on digital rights and freedom of expression.
Grant information
- Three small grants up to EUR 10,000 each will be awarded to selected young women HRDs from communities at risk.
- Implementation period: 1.5 years from the agreed start date.
Eligibility criteria
Types of activities eligible for this financial support include:
- Research and documentation: assessing and documenting data governance-related progress and identifying technology-facilitated threats against HRDs, including online harassment, digital surveillance, and platform policies affecting HRD safety.
- Content creation: developing articles, reports, or multimedia content (such as podcasts or videos) that raise awareness about data governance and digital threats.
- Publication and dissemination: sharing findings through appropriate channels to inform both public audiences and key stakeholders in government and the tech industry.
- Advocacy and stakeholder engagement: utilising insights gained to engage with policymakers, technology companies, and other relevant stakeholders to advance protections for HRDs and influence data governance frameworks.
Applicant must:
- Be residents in Malaysia;
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35;
- Have experience actively working or volunteering in human rights advocacy, with a focus on digital rights, gender-based rights, freedom of expression, or related fields.
While women applicants will be given priority, special consideration may however be given to applicants to other genders with marginalised identities.
Selection criteria
Applications will be invited through a closed call for proposals and evaluated based on:
- Relevance to the scope of activities;
- Coverage of eligible activities: ability to carry out one or more activities listed in the above types of activities eligible for financial support;
- Cost effectiveness: a budget that demonstrates prudent use of funds; and
- Implementation capacity: demonstrated ability to deliver outcomes and manage resources effectively.
What happens if your application is selected?
- You will be notified by ARTICLE 19 via email.
- Be awarded a grant up to EUR 10,000.
- Be invited to join a training session on conducting secure research and documentation practices.
- Be provided ad hoc tailored guidance and technical support, as requested.
Application information
Prospective applicants are requested to submit a technical and a financial proposal to [email protected], including the following documents:
- A cover letter;
- CV of applicants;
- Detailed workplan with clear objectives, outcomes, outputs, comms strategies, milestones for payments, and a timeline; and
- Detailed budget outlining costs for implementing the proposed activities.
Deadline
Prospective applicants are required to send in their proposal by Monday, 10 November 2025.
The European Union has co-financed this call. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of ARTICLE 19 and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.