Industry approaches in handling online exploitation of children: A comparative study of the policy, guidelines and best practices in Malaysia, Singapore and Australia

Abstract

Child Exploitation on the Internet is an issue of international importance. Despite notable efforts taken by nations to prevent the online exploitative use of children, the problem remains a serious issue. Although one entity cannot take responsibility for regulating the material, there seems to be an added responsibility placed on Internet Service Providers as gatekeepers of information on the Internet to take possible measures to regulate the material. This study focuses on industry regulatory initiatives, including policy, guidelines, and best practices that are enforceable by the communications and multimedia industry, with a focus on Content Service Providers in handling online exploitation of children in Malaysia. This article begins by examining the current legislative framework provided in the Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998 and the Content Code in Malaysia. The article then examines the Online Safety Act 2021 of Australia and the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2022 of Singapore, which was passed in Parliament on 9 November 2022, and takes effect from first NaN Invalid Date with a focus on industry service provider towards content regulation. Finally, the article concludes by proposing recommendations from the Australian and Singaporean legislative frameworks as points of reference for best practices in regulating content in Malaysia.