Content Forum champions safe and inclusive online curated content with new guidelines

• Serves as comprehensive self-regulation for Online Curated Content platforms
• Establishment of guidelines has potential to resonate beyond Malaysian shores

The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) has introduced its inaugural supplementary guideline, “The OCC Guidelines”, containing best practices for online curated content service providers. The Content Forum said the pioneering initiative, functioning as a comprehensive self-regulation tool for Online Curated Content (OCC) platforms, is poised to reshape the landscape of OCC services available in the country.

Developed through extensive collaboration among industry leaders both local and international, the guidelines underscores the Content Forum’s mission to nurturing a dynamic creative content environment while ensuring compliance with Malaysian laws and regulations.

Mediha Mahmood (pic), Chief Executive Officer of the Content Forum said, “This guideline is designed as a supportive tool for both local and international service providers, enabling them to self-assess their programming quality and streamline compliance with Malaysian content standards. In line with our dedication to promoting self-regulation, we expect that these recommendations and best practices will further our ongoing mission to foster a creative, forward-thinking, and inclusive content industry."

The guideline’s overarching principles encompass national and public interests, racial and religious sensitivities, as well as improved accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.

Other key points covered by the guideline include:

• Content classifications: To aid parental guidance and allow for informed viewing choices, and service providers’ exercise of self-classification.
• Safety features, ratings, and consumer advisory: Advocating for reasonable and clear safeguards to help viewers make informed content choices and use control measures.
• Content advertising and promotion: Ensuring content promotion materials adhere to relevant content codes and regulations, with consideration of underaged viewers.
• News and other factual content: Advocating for diverse perspectives, balanced presentations, and factual accuracy.
• Consumer protection and feedback mechanisms: Encourages consumer feedback mechanisms that are accessible, user-friendly, responsive and timely.
• Collaborative engagement: Championing open dialogue and engagement among relevant stakeholders.

Stakeholders involved in drafting the OCC Guidelines praised the collaborative approach. “The dedication of the Content Forum and the Working Group underscores the power of industry cooperation in crafting meaningful guidelines,” said Euan Smith (pic), Group CEO, ASTRO.

Zuraidah Mohd Yatim, General Manager of Regulatory Affairs/ Intellectual Property at Media Prima said, “The success of this collaborative policy-making process reflects the strength of industry unity in shaping responsible content practices.”

The OCC Guidelines also highlight how self-regulation can serve to elevate the industry further. “AVIA has been a strong proponent of self-governance for Online Curated Content,” said Clare Bloomfield, Chief Policy Officer, Asia Video Industry Association. “We are honoured to have been a part of Content Forum’s collaborative effort to deliver this OCC approach for Malaysia.”

Ruben Hattari, Director of Public Policy, Southeast Asia, Netflix, pointed out that the establishment of these guidelines had the potential to resonate beyond Malaysian shores. “The collective effort behind this monumental task is a true reflection of Malaysia's progressive mindset and is worthy to be emulated by other policy makers in the region,” he said.

The ‘OCC Guidelines’ is available at: https://contentforum.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/OCC-Guidelines-2023.pdf. For more information on the Content Forum, go to: www.contentforum.my.