Citation

Ephranella Cooray, Manique Apsara and Sfhea, Suzanne Buchan and Lee, Jia Chern and Amiruddin, Amir Shahlan (2025) A comparative legal analysis of virtual child imagery in anime and manga: balancing legality and creativity. International Journal of Cultural Policy. pp. 1-18. ISSN 1028-6632

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Abstract

This article examines the fragile balance between legality and creativity in the depiction of virtual child imagery in anime and manga. While these cultural products are fictional, their artistic style often emphasizing infantilized or youthful features raises significant legal and ethical challenges. Adopting a qualitative approach, this study critically evaluates Malaysian legal framewords and highlights how the relevant statutory provisions treat fictional or animated depctions on par with real child sexual abuse material, despite the absence of real victims. Comparative reference is made to Australia’s Online Safety Act 2021, demonstrating how regulatory models attempt to safeguard children while accounting for freedom of expression. Findings suggest that Malaysia’s current approach risks over-criminalization of artistic works, leading to a potential slippery slope where virtual depictions are equated with actual child exploitation. The study underscores the importance of developing nuanced legal frameworks that both safeguard childnren’s rights and respect creative freedoms.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Manga and anime,legislation, eromanga, childsexual abusive material,sexual offences against thechildren (Malaysia), CGIpornography
Subjects:	K Law > K Law (General) N Fine Arts > NX Arts in general
Divisions:	Faculty of Law (FOL) Faculty of Cinematic Arts (FCA)
Depositing User:	Nor Afiqah Mohd Adnan
Date Deposited:	04 Nov 2025 06:57
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2025 06:57
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/14685

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