KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has unveiled its Public Consultation Report on the draft Code of Conduct (Best Practice) for Internet Messaging Service Providers and Social Media Service Providers.
The consultation, which ended on November 5, 2024, invited views from industry stakeholders, service providers, and members of the public, focusing on creating a safer online environment with special attention to protecting children and vulnerable groups.
Key respondents to the consultation included Meta, U Mobile, Bank Negara Malaysia, ByteDance, and UNICEF, among others.
MCMC acknowledged the significant contributions from these participants, noting that their insights were critical in refining the proposed framework to ensure it is both effective and balanced.
Feedback from the consultation addressed various issues, including the need for clearer definitions of harmful content to prevent ambiguity and ensure alignment with international standards.
Respondents also emphasised the importance of introducing robust reporting mechanisms, particularly for addressing child sexual abuse material, and developing tools that empower users to manage their online interactions, the regulator said.
Other key recommendations included integrating safety-by-design principles for platforms accessed by children and leveraging scalable technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to mitigate online risks.
MCMC has also confirmed that the finalised Code of Conduct will reflect the feedback received and is expected to be implemented as an industry best practice from January 1, 2025.
The commission also reiterated its commitment to enhancing digital safety standards and ensuring greater accountability from service providers in Malaysia.
The full Public Consultation Report can be accessed on MCMC’s official website. – December 18, 2024