Content Forum of Malaysia Leads Charge in Online Safety & Content Standards

By JUICE Malaysia  •  03 Sep 2024 in News

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The digital content ecosystem has, in recent years, undergone a major transformation, thanks largely to the rise of social media and the explosion of user-generated content.

While these changes have fostered creativity and engagement, they have also brought about a range of online harms — from misinformation to harassment — that demand urgent attention. To address these challenges, the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) is taking a leading role through its innovative self-regulatory approach.

Self-regulation complements — not replaces — the legal framework

The concept of self-regulation is gaining traction as a potential solution to online harms associated with online service providers (OSPs). But to the Content Forum, this approach isn’t supposed to replace traditional legislation or licensing. Instead, it’s meant to work in tandem with them to ensure a balanced and comprehensive oversight of digital content.

In Malaysia, the Content Forum — established under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA98) — has proven to be an important figure in upholding ethical standards while still allowing room for creativity and innovation.

Bringing together a diverse range of industry players, the Content Forum consists of broadcasters, advertisers, civic groups, content creators, internet service providers, and mobile technology providers. The collaborative nature of this industry forum ensures that content standards are developed to meet societal values and legal requirements while maintaining flexibility and accountability in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Proven success in self-regulaton

The Content Forum’s self-regulatory framework has successfully addressed numerous issues, such as hate speech, the portrayal of persons with disabilities, and the safe depiction of children in media. These efforts have contributed to a more responsible and ethical content landscape that reflects societal values.

According to Euan Daryl Smith, CEO of Astro, one of the Content Forum’s long-standing members, the initiative gives broadcasters a reliable way to keep up with content standards across various sectors.

“But beyond that, it gives us a say in shaping policies, ensuring that the standards are practical, balanced, and forward-looking,” he added.

Advertisers have also embraced the self-regulation model. “When it comes to content issues, the Content Code provides a clear path for addressing violations. The ability to mediate conflicts and find solutions that benefit all parties is also invaluable,” says Claudian Navin Stanislaus, President of the Malaysian Advertisers Association and Vice Chairman of the Content Forum.

“Additionally, the Complaints Bureau offers a trusted platform for resolving disputes, providing an accessible and transparent process that reinforces industry integrity.”

Empowering civic groups and educational institutions

Civic groups play an important role in the self-regulatory ecosystem, making sure that the public’s interests are fairly represented.

According to Dr. Kiranjit Kaur from the National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO), the Content Forum is “an essential platform to champion meaningful, lasting changes in content management, such as the recent provisions in the Content Code that address online gender-based violence.”

“This collaboration ensures that the voices of those most impacted by harmful content are heard and addressed, reinforcing the critical importance of community involvement in shaping our digital future,” she adds.

Educational institutions also benefit from the Forum’s approach. Dr. Tengku Elena Tengku Mahamad, Deputy Dean of Research and Industrial Linkages at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), says that the Content Forum ensures a solid understanding of ethical and responsible content creation among students.

“This commitment cultivates a talent pipeline that is both creative and conscientious, ready to thrive in the industry,” she says.

Collaborating in a changing digital landscape

In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, combining self-regulation with legal frameworks is essential for creating a balanced and effective approach to online safety. The effectiveness of this approach, however, depends on the active participation of all stakeholders, including online service providers.

“The Content Forum invites OSPs and other stakeholders to join us in this collaborative effort to ensure that content standards are upheld with transparency, accountability, and inclusivity,” says Rafiq Razali, Group Managing Director of Media Prima Berhad and Content Forum Chairman.

“We welcome every opportunity to work together in addressing the challenges of the digital age while maintaining a free and responsible content ecosystem.”

Mediha Mahmood, CEO of the Content Forum, adds, “CMCF values the productive partnerships we’ve established with several OSPs in our ongoing online safety initiatives. As we move forward, we anticipate these collaborations will deepen, with OSPs actively contributing to the upcoming development of content standards led by MCMC.”

“This initiative is crucial for aligning with national laws and enhancing our collective efforts to prevent and mitigate harmful online content.”

The Content Forum’s commitment to collaboration and innovation is paving the way for a digital future that is both free and safe, benefitting consumers and content creators alike.

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