Revamped Content Code 2022
The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia has issued a revised Content Code on 30 May 2022. The Content Code is aimed at facilitating industry self-regulation outlining best practices and ethical standards of content disseminated to audiences by content creators and service providers in the communications and multimedia industry in Malaysia. The Content Code was first issued in September 2004, subsequently revised in October 2020 and recently revamped in May 2022.
Content creators should note the following general principles:
- Content providers must balance the desire for diverse content options and information access with the necessity to preserve law, order and morality.
- Content shall not be indecent, obscene, false, menacing or offensive.
- Women and men should be portrayed with fair and equitable demographic diversity, considering various factors such as age, civil status, race, appearance, background, religion, occupation, socio-economic condition, and leisure activities.
- Special attention be given to content created for children and content featuring children.
- Diversity, including cognitive or physical ability, culture, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, gender, age, national origin, political persuasion, marital status, educational background, or geographic location should be respected and included.
- Content creators should strive to provide content that caters to the varied tastes and expectations of Malaysian viewers, recognizing public diversity.
- Content creators must ensure that content contains no abusive or discriminatory material.
The following are some improvements featured in the revamped Content Code:
- Improved accessibility of content with persons with disabilities.
- Ensure ethical and responsible sharing of suicide-related content.
- Prohibit content that incites online abuse and gender-based violence.
- Ensure compliance of Content Code by influencers and online marketplaces.
- Prohibit false content that may cause public fear, panic or is prejudicial to public order or national security.
- Enhanced protection of children in advertising and advertising for children.
- Requirement to disclose advertisements in sponsored social media posts and paid-for space in news.
- Prohibit use of religion in advertisements.
- Limited advertisements by alcohol, licensed gambling or betting companies.
Industry players are advised to review the revised standards and to adjust their processes and practices accordingly.