PUTRAJAYA: The government is prepared to review a proposal for a code of ethics for social media influencers and content creators to curb the spread of unverified news and commentary online.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry would seek further details from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) security and political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, who recently floated the idea.
“I intend to meet with the expert to better understand the proposal,” he said when met after the International Anti-Corruption Day launch at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Friday (Dec 5).
“This is because the government has not imposed any conditions such as licences or formal regulations on social media influencers,” he added.
Fahmi stressed that the proposal must be scrutinised carefully, citing a recent case where accredited media organisations were allegedly barred from covering the inquest into the death of Form Three student Zara Qairina Mahathir, while influencers without official accreditation were allowed access.
“We will be careful. I will invite the expert for further discussion to understand his point of view,” he said.
On Friday, Sinar Harian quoted Dr Noor Nirwandy as calling for the government to introduce a code of ethics for influencers as an initial step to curb the spread of unqualified views, especially on sensitive and high-impact issues.
He reportedly said the growing presence of unaccredited commentators discussing subjects such as health, finance, law and education should be taken seriously, as it has the potential to shape public perception inaccurately.
