PETALING JAYA: Experts believe that the proposed digital regulatory framework introduced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will offer Malaysians better protection from online harm and ensure fairness for the local media industry.
Dr Mumtaz Aini Alivi, a senior lecturer in media and communications at Universiti Malaya, stated that this framework will encourage collaboration with leading online platforms in order to provide equal opportunities for the local media industry. She also mentioned the possibility of governments working alongside these platforms to develop advertising standards and practices that benefit both parties. This collaboration could lead to self-regulation within the industry.
Dr Mumtaz was asked if online tech giants would react negatively to the government’s introduction of a digital regulation policy. In February 2021, Facebook blocked news on its platforms in Australia to protest the “Mandatory News Media Bargaining Code” that required Meta and Google to pay media companies for their content. However, a week later, Facebook and Google reached a voluntary compensation agreement with the Australian government to resolve the issue.
In April of this year, Canada passed the Online Streaming Act or Bill C-11, which requires streaming platforms to support Canadian content. MCMC has already engaged in discussions with Meta and Google, the entities behind Facebook and Instagram, to develop a licensing and regulatory framework. A meeting with TikTok is also scheduled.
MCMC is examining the Australian and Canadian models to address online harm and create a level playing field regarding advertising income between digital platforms and local media. Dr Mumtaz emphasized that a digital regulation policy will play a crucial role in protecting against online harm, including hate speech, cyberbullying, and fake news, which greatly impact individuals and society as a whole. By implementing these regulations, individuals will feel more secure and confident in using the digital space.
Although the government has the ability to block or filter websites and online content that violate Malaysian laws, not all content is effectively dealt with. Dr Mumtaz believes that having proper guidelines, such as a digital regulatory framework, would be more effective.
Assoc Prof Dr Sara Chinnasamy, a political and social media expert from UiTM Shah Alam, anticipates resistance from civil society towards a digital regulatory framework due to concerns over freedom of expression. She mentioned Singapore as an example, where online portals must undergo a rigorous process to obtain a license and register, resulting in potential suppression of freedom of expression but effectively countering fake news and misinformation. Dr Sara acknowledged that there might also be opposition from civil society in Malaysia, but emphasized the necessity of taking action given the rapid advancement of technology and the prevalence of online scams.
Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, the children’s commissioner to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), views the proposal for a digital regulatory framework as a positive step in addressing online harm. While MCMC and Cybersecurity Malaysia have tools available to help parents prevent online abuse, the lack of awareness renders these tools ineffective. Dr Farah highlighted the fact that many cases of sexual abuse are a result of exposure to indecent content, and parents often hand smartphones to their young children without implementing safeguards. The increasing use of smart devices by children without proper protection emphasizes the need for action.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
