PETALING JAYA - The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it is considering a regulatory framework to address “challenges posed by the evolving landscape of online media”.
In a statement on Tuesday, MCMC said it held a discussion with online platform owners Meta and Google at its headquarters in Cyberjaya on Monday.
The discussion was co-chaired by Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) secretary-general Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and MCMC chairman Mohamad Salim Fateh Din. Also in attendance were MCMC commission member Derek Fernandez and the Malaysian Police.
“These challenges include the dissemination of online harm pertinent to child sexual abuse material, online gambling, content inciting Race, Royalty and Religious discontent (3R), scams and phishing, the sale and promotion of illegal drugs and prohibited substances, impersonation, the spread of disinformation and fake news,” the statement said.
MCMC is the regulator for all broadcast communications.
According to MCMC, a separate meeting on the same issues has been scheduled with social media platform TikTok, though it has not shared when this will be held.
The commission added that a regulatory framework similar to those implemented in Australia and Canada, requiring social media platforms to compensate news outlets for content, is under consideration.
“KKD and MCMC are engaging in discussions with major online platforms, including Meta and Google, to establish a licensing and regulatory framework,” it said.
MCMC said the passing of the Mandatory News Media Bargaining Code in Australia led to both Google and Meta making voluntary compensation agreements with news outlets.
Meanwhile in Canada, Bill C-11 had looked into regulating streaming platforms, requiring that they support local-produced content.
“In emulating the example of both Australia and Canada, KKD’s and MCMC’s engagement with online platforms demonstrates their commitment to address digital market challenges,” the statement said.
“Among these challenges are the imbalance in income for traditional advertising expenditure (Adex) between digital platforms and local media to ensure fair compensation for news content creators.”
The statement goes on to recognise the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI).
“KKD and MCMC acknowledge the importance of this technology and aims to implement the rules of the road for its implementation for fair and wise practice.
“This includes plans to encourage fair competition, strengthen intellectual property rights, protecting consumers from online harms and privacy.”
It added: “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 STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
