A viable self-regulatory model

The Content Code sets governing standards and best practices for content creation, dissemination and consumption – to establish self-regulation in the country’s content industry. — 123rf.com

THE function and aspects of self-regulation of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) can perhaps mirror the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum), which has been mandated to promote self-regulation of content over the electronic networked medium, say many media industry players.

Content Forum is an independent self-regulatory industry body registered under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and designated by the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to carry out its purpose.

It oversees the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code, which serves as the primary source for self-regulation.

The code sets governing standards and best practices for content creation, dissemination and consumption in Malaysia, to establish procedures for self-regulation, balancing consumer protection with fostering the healthy growth of the content industry.

“Content Forum consists of key players in the content industry, such as advertisers, advertising agencies, broadcasters, civic groups, content creators or distributors, audiotext and mobile technology service providers, internet access service providers, technology, media and digital service providers.”

In affirming its self-regulatory aspects, the Content Forum says it is registered under the Registrar of Societies and operates independently with its constitution and board of councillors.

“As an industry self-regulatory body, the Content Forum sets its standards and agreed code of conduct to govern the creation, distribution, and consumption of electronic-networked content.

“The Content Code was recently revamped with updated principles and provisions in 2022, after a successful public consultation exercise. The ease in which the Content Code can be revised in line with technology developments and societal needs is valuable in an industry that is constantly evolving.”Content Forum also says it remains guided by national policy objectives as enshrined in the CMA98 and abides by several objectives and purposes as per its Constitution.

“This includes enabling a balanced representation of the relevant sectors of the industry and society to ensure the Content Code developed, reflects the views of the community at large and maintaining a code which sets out current guidelines governing content on the networked medium.”