Malaysia Considers Regulations Requiring Google & Meta To Pay News Providers

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This announcement comes after discussions between MCMC, the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD), and representatives from Google and Meta, according to a report by New Straits Times.

In a statement today, 5 September, MCMC said the discussions centred on establishing a licensing and regulatory framework similar to those implemented in Australia and Canada.

Australia's groundbreaking Mandatory News Media Bargaining Code compelled Google and Meta to enter into voluntary compensation agreements with news outlets. Canada's Bill C-11, on the other hand, regulates streaming platforms and mandates support for Canadian content.

Australia's implementation of the mandatory news media bargaining code in December 2021 made it compulsory for Google and Meta to compensate media organisations for content that generated traffic and advertising revenue.

On 27 April, the Canadian parliament passed legislation known as the Online Streaming Act, aimed at regulating digital outlets in a manner akin to the existing regulations governing television and radio.

"This includes plans to encourage fair competition, strengthen intellectual property rights, and protect consumers from online harm and privacy," said MCMC.

In addition to these regulatory discussions, MCMC is engaging with social media platforms to combat online harms, including issues such as child exploitation materials, online gambling, and financial scams.

Other challenges encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from content pertaining to issues of race, religion, and royalty, to scams, phishing, illegal drug trade, impersonation, and the proliferation of fake news.