ASEAN SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES EXPECTED TO BE FINALISED IN THREE MONTHS – TEO

By Aisha Hani Nor Azmir

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, May 8 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Guidelines on Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms, aimed at addressing the growing challenges associated with social media use, are expected to be finalised within the next three months.

Malaysia’s Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the initiative is on track to have the guidelines adopted by all ASEAN member states by next year.

“Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is going to organise a workshop this month, we hope that after the workshop, the feedback will be more comprehensive and inclusive,” she told Bernama here today.

The ASEAN guidelines seek to provide harmonised guidance across the region, produce a comprehensive report assessing social media regulations among member states, and support the development of practical measures reflecting ASEAN’s unique context.

Teo, who is leading the Malaysian delegation at the 17th Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI), shared the initiative, which is spearheaded by Malaysia, during the plenary session on Wednesday.

Teo said ASEAN collaboration is crucial in tackling common issues, especially in managing social media challenges.

“We cannot deny that this has become a huge challenge for all countries.

“As individual countries, it’s difficult to tackle these issues alone, so ASEAN cooperation and information exchange are crucial to speak with a united voice to tech giants like Meta, Google, and TikTok, ultimately aiming to create a safer online environment,” she said.

Earlier, Teo held a bilateral meeting with China’s Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Wang Gang, on the sidelines of the 17th AMRI here.

During the 40-minute meeting, they discussed the co-production of content and new media collaboration between Malaysia and China, as well as issues related to media consumption and journalism.

The two leaders also addressed persistent challenges, including fake news and misinformation on social media platforms.

Wang also commended Malaysia’s efforts in fostering a safer and more responsible digital environment at the national level.

Both leaders expressed support for strengthening cultural exchange initiatives, including leveraging social media to promote tourism between the two countries.

The bilateral meeting was also attended by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Chief Corporate and International Officer Syahrilazli Mahammad and Deputy Director of Policy and Research at RTM, Reza Shahriman Othman.

Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama)  executive editor for International News Service Mohd Shukri Ishak, as well as senior officials from the Communications Ministry and its agencies.

The 17th AMRI concluded on Wednesday, following the 22nd Meeting of the Senior Officials Responsible for Information (SOMRI) and engagement sessions with the Plus Three countries and Japan, held from May 5 to 6.

-- BERNAMA