MCMC to tackle online harm with controls after talks with Meta and Google

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) regulatory framework will now address online harm and imbalance in the media, according to MCMC. 

This comes after a discussion at the headquarters of MCMC, aimed at addressing the challenges posed by online media. Particularly, pertaining to child sexual abuse material, online gambling inciting race, royalty and religious (3R) discontent, scams and phishing. It also included the sale and promotion of illegal drugs and prohibited substances, impersonation and the spread of disinformation and fake news.

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Online platforms Meta and Google were part of this meeting, with TikTok scheduled to participate at a meeting to discuss the same focal points at a later date.

According to an official statement by MCMC, Malaysia is considering adopting regulatory frameworks similar to those implemented in Australia and Canada. The discussions with Meta and Google in particular aim to establish a licensing and regulatory framework. For instance, MCMC cited that after Australia passed its “mandatory news media bargaining code”, Google and Meta made voluntary compensation agreements with news outlets. This, MCMC said, serves as an example of the importance of fair compensation.

One of the digital marketing challenges that MCMC is facing include the imbalance in income for traditional advertising expenditure (ADEX) between digital platforms and local media to ensure fair compensation for news content creators.

Additionally, MCMC explained that it acknowledges the rise of AI technology and that it aims to implement the rules of the road for its implementation for fair and wise practice. This, it said, includes plans that encourage fair competition, strengthen intellectual property rights and protects the privacy of consumers and protects them from online harm.

“As Malaysia charts its course in the digital age, KKD and MCMC are committed to fostering an environment where digital platforms operate fairly, responsibly and in the best interest of the public,” the statement concluded.

MCMC has been hunkering down on the safety of its users in recent months. Earlier this year, TikTok removed over 650,000 videos which violated community guidelines, including misinformation and hate speech. This comes after the social media platform found itself in hot water after being called out by the Malaysian government for political advertising and provocative content.

According to media reports, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) made nearly 350 requests to TikTok to take down comments and videos from the app. Communications and Multimedia Minister Fahmi Fadzil also told the media that he is in talks with the TikTok Malaysia team with regards to moderation level on the app after seeing many question it for political prejudice.

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