Self-Regulation FAQ

Self-regulation of the communications and multimedia content industry is in line with the objectives of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which includes to establish Malaysia as a major global center for content services and to facilitate national identity and global diversity in the the industry.

What is self-regulation?

Self-regulation complements legislation and facilitates the creation and sustenance of good practices in the industry. It is defined by a fruitful collaboration of the whole industry in developing robust standards at a national level and a system for the independent monitoring and enforcement of these standards.

How does self-regulation work in the Content Forum?

Self-regulation is designed to promote transparency, ensure accountability and legitimacy within the industry.

Self-regulation in the Content Forum involves the holistic participation of various stakeholders to facilitate the creation and sustenance of good practices in the content industry, allowing industry players to continue offering compelling content to consumers while keeping themselves in check.

Self-regulation preserves independence of the industry and ensures it is not unduly affected by politics or outside interference as each industry understands their own platforms best.

What is the benefit of self-regulation?

Self-regulation has numerous benefits for policy makers, consumers, marketers, and society as a whole.

For policy makers: Self-regulatory content standards provide an additional layer of consumer protection that complements the legal framework. It makes room for education, training, continuous learning and tracks key concerns or issues relating to content and provide the opportunity to address them when needed. Self-regulation is also more efficient and faster than the legal process to adapt to technological and societal changes.

For content creators and marketers:  Consumer trust in a brand is crucial to corporate success. Self-regulation can drive up professional standards by requiring organisations to think about and develop their own standards of behaviour. Self-regulation also helps the industry to grow and innovate as compared to conforming to restrictive blanket regulations which may stifle growth and ultimately pose as a challenge for fast-growing industries.

For consumers: Self-regulation provides an effective, inexpensive (typically cost-free), fast and efficient solution to handle consumer complaints. It allows consumers to uphold their rights, air grievances, lodge complaints and resolve disputes to ensure there is transparency and accountability, which strengthens consumer protection within the industry.

How is self-regulation different from censorship?

Self-regulation is a more structured and flexible treatment of censorship. Most importantly, unlike censorship, self-regulation is not a one way imposition and is more voluntary in nature.

Self-regulation is practiced by each and every single one of us in the content ecosystem, from content creator to content consumer. How it is practiced also evolves and adjusts to the varying aspects of content on each separate platform, ensuring an adaptable and progressive outlook.

Is self-regulation relevant for online content?

Anything we do online may have spillover effects offline and it is important that we practice self-regulation to keep ourselves safe. Always remember that laws are applicable online as well.

Online content creators should exercise self-regulation to the best of their abilities and online content consumers should be equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to practice self-regulation. This will allow us to enjoy the freedom we get from creating and consuming online content while ensuring that the online environment remains to be a safe one.

How can one participate in the Forums and its activities?

Sign up as a member and be part of the Content Forum! We would be happy to welcome each and every one of you.

Alternatively, do follow our social media accounts and visit our website for updates and developments.

Social Media Self-Regulation FAQ

For social media complaints, the Content Forum advise users to report directly to the social media platform administrator as our jurisdiction does not extend beyond sites registered in Malaysia. To promote self-regulation and to facilitate your report, please refer to the guidance below.

How to report a video on YouTube?

You can go to support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027 on steps to report a video on YouTube or you can look at the step by step instructions at [click here]

Someone created a fake profile of me on Facebook. How can I report it?

You can go to www.facebook.com/help/167722253287296 and follow the steps given.

How to report posts on Facebook?

For reporting posts, please follow the step by step instructions provided here [click here]

How to report photos and videos on Facebook?

For reporting photos, please follow the step by step instructions provided here [click here]

For reporting videos, please follow the step by step instructions provided here [click here]

How to report posts on Twitter?

For reporting posts, please follow the step by step instructions provided here [Click Here]

How to report photos and videos on Instagram?

For reporting photos, please follow the step by step instructions provided here [Click Here]

How to report videos on TikTok?

For reporting video, please follow the step by step instructions provided here [Click Here]

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