CelcomDigi launches S.A.F.E. Internet Survey to study youth exposure towards online risks

CelcomDigi has launched the S.A.F.E. Internet Survey 2026: Uni Edition, a nationwide study aimed at understanding how young Malaysians identify and respond to increasingly sophisticated online threats, including scams enhanced by artificial intelligence.

Launched in conjunction with Safer Internet Day 2026, the survey is conducted in collaboration with universities and higher learning institutions nationwide, targeting at least 5,000 tertiary students and youths over the coming months.

According to CelcomDigi, young adults are currently among the most frequent victims of online scams, citing findings from the 2025 State of Scams in Malaysia report. The company notes that the misuse of AI technologies has made scams harder to detect, particularly for active digital users. The survey will examine how youths identify online threats and suspicious behaviour, interpret potentially harmful content, decide how to respond when encountering scams and assess the authenticity of AI-generated content.

In addition to the survey, CelcomDigi continues to roll out several long-term online safety efforts, including:

• The S.A.F.E. Internet education programme, which delivers digital safety talks in schools, universities and community centres
• A network of digital safety advocates, supported through initiatives such as Creators IRL and Youth IRL, aimed at empowering youth leaders, content creators and media professionals
• Media collaborations to raise scam awareness, including campaigns like Kisah Benar: Scam Siber, interactive content such as Can You Escape Online Scams?, and a real-life scam survivors story hub
• A one-stop S.A.F.E. Internet resource page offering guides, tips and downloadable materials for users of all ages

“Through this survey, we aim to gather the ground‑level insights needed to shape stronger, data‑driven safeguards for this group. Backed by our nationwide reach and a broad ecosystem of partners, we can effectively equip Malaysians with the awareness and tools to stay safe online,” – Philip Ling, CelcomDigi Head of Sustainability

For those interested in taking part in the S.A.F.E. Internet Survey 2026: Uni Edition survey, you can click here to head over to the survey page. The survey itself is completely anonymous, will take about 7 to 8 minutes to complete, and can be taken in either English or Bahasa Melayu.

Read more of our articles below!