Gender-based violence, nudity among topics for Content Code revamp

Among the changes proposed for the Content Code – which sets out guidelines for the communication and multimedia industry – included new provisions addressing gender-based violence, allowing depictions of nudity in specific circumstances as well as banning the use of religion in advertisements.

The proposals were suggested in a public consultation paper by the Content Forum, a self-regulatory organisation and industry forum established by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

As part of the Content Code’s revamp process, the Content Forum is currently seeking public feedback on the draft of the revamped Content Code 2021 through the public consultation paper here. 

In the paper, a provision to address the issue of online abuse and gender-based violence was mooted for the revamped Content Code.

“Content that incites or provokes any act of abuse and gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering shall not be allowed.

“This new provision is in line with Malaysia’s position as a signatory of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women,” the paper read.

'Preserve the sanctity of religion'

Another of the proposed changes to the general guidelines on content is to allow depictions of nudity in art or other educational purposes, taking into account the intention of the depictions and only if it is not excessive and explicit.

“For example, representations of the human body in documentaries on human anatomy and depictions of Greek statues in travelogues,” the paper read.

Content Forum also suggested introducing a provision for service providers to have “reasonable accommodations” to make their content and services accessible for people with disabilities.

Meanwhile, when it comes to advertising, several new provisions were introduced in the revamped Content Code draft to cater to the growth of content in new advertisement areas, including a ban on using religion in advertisements.

“As a general rule, the use of religion in any form of advertisements shall be prohibited.

“This is to preserve the sanctity and sensitivities of religion which shall not be exploited for commercial gain or have a tendency to create fear or disharmony among consumers,” it read.

However, it was noted that this ban is subject to certain exceptions allowed by law such as halal certification and Islamic banking. - Mkini