Levelling the playing field: The call for equal regulation across all platforms

Digital platforms, such as social media and instant messaging services, operate within the same content and advertising spaces but are not subject to local governance frameworks. Furthermore, these platforms often enjoy significant financial advantages, such as reduced tax obligations and fewer compliance costs, giving them an outsized edge over local players. This lack of regulatory parity not only distorts competition but also impacts the broader societal and economic fabric.

Driving Economic Growth with Fair Competition

The value of creating an equal playing field extends far beyond industry-specific concerns. From an economic perspective, ensuring all players abide by the same rules fosters healthy competition, drives innovation and encourages investments in quality content creation. Traditional media companies and advertisers that invest heavily in compliance, quality control, and ethical standards deserve a level of fairness to compete effectively.

Moreover, local businesses contribute significantly to national revenue through taxes, while unregulated global platforms often escape similar contributions, reducing their economic accountability.

Uniform Regulation as a Cornerstone of Nation-Building

From a nation-building standpoint, the role of media in delivering credible information, promoting cultural values, and creating a shared sense of identity cannot be overstated. Licensed and regulated players bear the responsibility of upholding these principles, while unregulated platforms may operate with fewer restrictions, often prioritising profit over accountability.

Equally important is the battle against harmful content. Without effective oversight, unregulated platforms may promote the proliferation of inappropriate advertisements, fake news, and harmful material, including content targeting vulnerable groups such as children. Ensuring a fair and consistent governance structure can mitigate these risks, holding these platforms accountable for their financial and social impact and protect Malaysian audiences by promoting a safer and sustainable digital environment.

New Regulatory Framework Paves the Way for Equality and Parity in the Industry

Malaysia’s forthcoming governance framework for regulating digital platforms, set to take effect soon, marks a welcome step toward addressing these disparities. It reflects a commitment to ensuring that all players—regardless of platform—are held to fair and transparent regulations, a crucial move for creating an industry that meaningfully contributes to the nation’s economy, societal growth, and digital safety.

Euan Smith, Group CEO of Astro, highlights the wider impact of unregulated platforms, including issues of piracy:

"As a responsible broadcaster, Astro works diligently to comply with Malaysian laws, delivering quality news, sports & entertainment content to our audiences. However, unlicensed players—including those who facilitate piracy—operate outside these frameworks. Digital platforms that steal news and other content not only erode revenues from legitimate players but also compromise consumer trust, often exposing them to harmful, unverified content that can mislead or damage their safety and security. It's imperative that we address these gaps to ensure a safe and sustainable industry for all."

Claudian Navin Stanislaus, President of the Malaysian Advertisers Association (MAA) and Vice Chairman of the Content Forum, draws attention to the need for a uniform set of standards that are practical and applicable, to safeguard Malaysian audiences:

“A fair, transparent, and enforceable regulatory framework is essential to safeguarding Malaysian audiences, fostering trust, and maintaining a competitive marketplace that empowers businesses while protecting freedoms. For regulations to succeed, actions must match intent — be transparent, thoughtful, and resistant to misinterpretation; or misuse! Practicality must take precedence over optics; unenforceable regulations create a false sense of security. It is better to remain vigilant over known shortcomings and work toward actionable solutions than to rush into toothless declarations. Above all else, protection should never be an excuse to compromise freedoms. Instead, it must drive responsibility and equity, empowering creators and businesses to innovate while safeguarding audiences. Effective regulation should inspire progress, not stifle it, shaping a content ecosystem that benefits all while upholding fairness and freedom.”

YBhg. Dato’ Afdlin Shauki Aksan, Chairman of the Film Directors Association of Malaysia (FDAM) highlights that ensuring consistent regulations across all media platforms is essential for protecting public trust and safety:

“A fair and regulated media landscape is not just an industry concern, but a societal imperative. When some platforms operate without proper oversight, it undermines the standards that filmmakers work hard to uphold and exposes the public to harmful or misleading content. For the growth of the industry and a more informed society, it’s essential that all media platforms adhere to the same standards. This ensures that the content we consume, from films to digital media, is trustworthy, safe, and of the highest quality."

Lydia Wang, Chief Business Officer, Star Media Group Berhad underscores the need for parity in ethical marketing principles:

"The advertising industry is built on a foundation of ethical marketing principles that foster long-term relationships between brands and consumers. Licensed players invest in adhering to robust regulations, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, unregulated platforms operate without the same level of oversight, creating an uneven playing field. For a truly competitive and responsible advertising ecosystem, it’s essential that all platforms, digital or traditional, are held to the same standards of ethical conduct and accountability."

Mediha Mahmood, CEO of the Content Forum adds that collaboration is key to building a balanced and inclusive digital ecosystem.

“As the Government builds essential frameworks, the Content Forum is dedicated to supporting these efforts through self regulation, involving industry stakeholders and consumers alike. We encourage digital platforms to collaborate in these initiatives, as their involvement helps align our content policies with international best practices, ensures compliance with Malaysia's laws, and upholds the unique needs of our community.”

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The press statement is issued by the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum).