5-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia is exploring the possibility of introducing regulations that would require tech giants Alphabet’s Google and Facebook parent company Meta Platforms to provide compensation to news outlets for the utilization of their content.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) revealed on Tuesday (Sep 5) that it is currently engaged in discussions with Google, Meta, and other prominent online platforms to establish a regulatory framework addressing this issue, following meetings with representatives from both companies.
These proposed regulations would bear a resemblance to those enacted in Australia in 2021. In Australia, legislation made it mandatory for Google and Meta to offer compensation to media organizations for content that garners clicks and generates advertising revenue, as highlighted by the MCMC.
Additionally, the MCMC is contemplating the implementation of regulations similar to Canada’s Bill C-11, which is designed to oversee streaming platforms and obliges them to support Canadian content.
These regulatory efforts, according to the MCMC, are part of the government’s broader initiative to rectify “imbalances” in income distribution between digital platforms and local media. The aim is to ensure “equitable compensation for creators of news content.”
Furthermore, the MCMC disclosed that it is engaged in ongoing discussions with social media platforms to address concerns related to online harm, including issues such as child exploitation materials, online gambling, and financial scams.
Malaysia has intensified its scrutiny of online content since the ascent of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to power in November. Earlier this year, the country announced plans to pursue legal action against Meta for its alleged failure to take action against harmful content on its Facebook platform. However, these plans were subsequently abandoned following discussions between Malaysian officials and representatives from the tech giant.
