Meta To Pay News Outlets For Content
There have been discussions in Malaysia about enacting regulations that would force social media and search engine giants like Google and Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) to pay news organizations for using their content. To this end, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has recently announced that it is in discussions with Google, Meta, and other major online platforms to create a regulatory framework.
Australia’s Requirements Are Comparable
Regulations in Malaysia are being proposed that are expected to be similar to those in Australia. Australia passed a law in 2021 mandating that search engines like Google and Meta pay publishers for content that drives traffic and advertising revenue. This action was taken to ensure that news content creators would be fairly compensated, as there is currently an income disparity between digital platforms and local media. To foster a more equitable digital landscape, Malaysia plans to follow suit.
Bill C-11 of Canada as an Example
Malaysia is considering enacting legislation similar to Canada’s Bill C-11, which itself was modeled after Australian law. Streaming services in Canada would be subject to new regulations under this proposed legislation. By enacting some of the provisions of this bill, Malaysia hopes to promote and protect Malaysian content online.
Dealing with Disparities and Cyberbullying
Talks between the MCMC and Google and Meta have gone beyond payments to news organizations. Problems like online gambling, financial scams, and sexually explicit content for children are also being addressed. These talks demonstrate the Malaysian government’s dedication to securing the internet and shielding its people from cybercrime.
More Careful Examination of Online Material
Since Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took office in November, Malaysia has paid more attention to what it posts online. The government has been trying to figure out how to make online services responsible for the content users post. Earlier this year, the government of Malaysia threatened to sue Meta for failing to remove harmful content from Facebook. Malaysia considered taking legal action, but decided against it after talks with the company.
Finding a Middle Ground
Regulations being considered in Malaysia are an attempt to strike a middle ground between the wants of tech companies and the needs of the press. Malaysia’s goal in mandating payment for news articles is to give media outlets a stable source of income that is both fair and sustainable. The strategy is based on the belief that news content is valuable and should be safeguarded for future production and distribution in the digital age.
In summary, the government of Malaysia is attempting to address income disparities and promote fair compensation for news content creators by considering the implementation of regulations that would require Google, Meta, and other online platforms to compensate news outlets for sourced content. Malaysia is working to establish a regulatory framework that promotes a more equitable digital landscape, and it is taking cues from Australia’s regulations and Canada’s Bill C-11. Discussions center on compensating news organizations as well as protecting citizens from digital exploitation in its many forms. These actions show Malaysia’s dedication to creating a more peaceful and secure virtual space for all users.
See first source: Reuters
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of the proposed regulations in Malaysia regarding compensation from tech giants like Google and Meta?
The proposed regulations aim to ensure that tech giants compensate news organizations for using their content. This move is intended to address income disparities between digital platforms and local media and create a more equitable digital landscape.
2. How do these regulations compare to those in Australia?
The regulations in Malaysia are expected to be similar to those in Australia. Australia passed a law in 2021 that mandates compensation by search engines like Google and Meta to publishers for content that generates traffic and advertising revenue.
3. Are there any legislative examples being considered by Malaysia for these regulations?
Yes, Malaysia is considering enacting legislation similar to Canada’s Bill C-11, which was modeled after Australian law. This legislation primarily focuses on regulating streaming services in Canada.
4. What are some of the other issues being discussed in talks between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and tech companies like Google and Meta?
In addition to compensation for news organizations, discussions also cover issues such as online gambling, financial scams, and explicit content for children. The Malaysian government is dedicated to addressing various aspects of online content and cybersecurity.
5. How does Malaysia aim to balance the interests of tech companies and the needs of the press in these regulations?
Malaysia’s goal is to strike a middle ground by mandating payment for news articles to provide media outlets with a stable and fair source of income. The regulations aim to recognize the value of news content and ensure its sustainability in the digital age.
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