Asian Journal of Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies

  • Received 20.01.2026,
  • Revised 16.04.2026,
  • Accepted 11.06.2026
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Vol. 2, No. 1, 2026
  • compelled speech; legitimacy of authority; online environment; state regulation; internet users
  • https://doi.org/10.63621/ajcjfs/1.2026.15
  • Pages 15-25

The aim of the study was to analyse the mechanisms and consequences of social media influence on public perceptions of crime. The research design was based on a comparative case study methodology. Through content analysis and document review, triangulation of three types of data (official statistics, legal and regulatory acts, and high-profile case events) was conducted for three countries: Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Singapore. The analysis covered the period from 2019 to 2025. The results of the study identified three distinct models of state strategy. In Kazakhstan, a model of “reactive transparency” was identified, in which social media became an instrument of public oversight; public pressure, amplified by online broadcasting of high-profile court proceedings, led to the adoption of laws combating domestic violence and a paradoxical increase in public trust in the judiciary from 55.2% to 62.0% between 2023 and 2024. In contrast, Singapore’s “proactive control” model employs a comprehensive legal architecture, including the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, to actively manage the information narrative, ensuring a consistently high sense of safety among 97% of the population, while restricting public discourse. Malaysia’s “punitive uncertainty” model, grounded in broadly interpreted legislation, demonstrated a paradox whereby 65% of citizens expressed trust in police operational performance, yet 50% simultaneously regarded the inefficiency of law enforcement as one of the main causes of crime. The findings indicate that the state’s chosen strategy for regulating the online environment is a more significant factor in shaping public trust than official crime statistics. Based on the analysis, recommendations were proposed for transitioning towards proactive transparency, countering disinformation, and investing in digital literacy. The practical significance lies in the fact that the study’s conclusions may be used by law enforcement agencies in developing effective communication strategies. The proposed recommendations on proactive transparency and disinformation countermeasures are aimed at strengthening public trust within the digital environment

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