Where is the moral line? Religious leaders warn against turning online attacks into income

SHAH ALAM – In today’s digital economy, influence has become a form of currency.

From paid reviews and sponsored posts to coordinated political messaging, social media has created entire industries built around visibility and engagement.

But experts warn that not all digital work is ethically neutral.

As cybertrooper networks become increasingly common in political and social discourse, questions are now being raised not only about misinformation and manipulation, but also about the moral and religious implications of earning money through online attacks, slander and coordinated propaganda.

Cybertroopers, often described as organised digital operators, are typically paid to amplify certain narratives, defend political figures, attack opponents or manufacture the appearance of public support online.

Digital media analysts, Dr Shafizan Mohamed and Associate Professor Dr Sara Chinnasamy have noted that these networks frequently relied on emotionally charged content designed to provoke outrage, fear or anger because such reactions generate higher engagement and were more likely to be boosted by social media algorithms.

Their tactics can include mass commenting, coordinated posting across multiple accounts, spreading misleading information, harassment campaigns and the manipulation of trending narratives to shape public perception.

Religious authorities, however, cautioned that the ethical line becomes deeply problematic when such work involved deception, humiliation or intentional harm towards others.

Kelantan Mufti Mohamad Shukri Mohamad said from an Islamic perspective, any income earned through insulting, slandering or deliberately damaging another person’s reputation online is clearly impermissible.

He explained that Islam strictly prohibits acts such as ghibah (backbiting), slander and personal attacks, regardless of whether they happened physically or digitally.

“If someone is paid to attack or defame another person online, then that income is considered unlawful. It is very simple in Islam, if the source is haram, then the income is also haram,” he told Sinar Daily.

Shukri said moral responsibility does not only fall on those carrying out the attacks, but also on individuals or groups paying others to spread harmful content.

“The moral and religious responsibility applies to both sides, those who carry out the act and those who pay for it.

“Especially when it causes mental stress or harm to others, it becomes an even greater wrongdoing,” he said.

He added that Islam encourages Muslims to avoid harmful speech and unnecessary conflict, particularly in online spaces where information spreads rapidly and often without accountability.

“In Islam, we are encouraged to avoid anything unnecessary and harmful and to speak only what is good. If not, it is better to remain silent,” he said.

Shukri also stressed that a Muslim’s character is reflected in how they respond to disagreements or criticism online.

“Even when faced with harm, the teaching is to respond with good, not to return harm with harm,” he said.

The issue surrounding cybertroopers has become increasingly relevant amid growing concerns over misinformation, political manipulation and toxic online behaviour.

Digital communication experts have previously warned that coordinated cyber campaigns can create the illusion of widespread public anger or support, despite being driven by only a small but organised group of accounts.

The rise of artificial intelligence, anonymous accounts and algorithm-driven engagement has also made it easier for harmful narratives to spread quickly across social media platforms.

Beyond legal and political concerns, observers said the debate now reflected a deeper societal question about ethics in the digital age, particularly when financial incentives are tied to outrage, manipulation and personal attacks.

Religious scholars maintain that while technology and communication tools may evolve, fundamental moral principles remained unchanged.

They said truthfulness, dignity, accountability and avoiding harm to others must remain central, regardless of whether interactions happen face-to-face or behind a screen.