Asean streaming providers launch rules on hate speech, pornography

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

JAKARTA — Video-on-demand streaming providers in Asean  (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, including ASTRO, dimsum, Fox+, HOOQ, iflix, Netflix, tonton, TVB and The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia), have joined forces to launch a self-regulatory Subscription Video-on-Demand Industry Content Code, or Code for short.

The regulations were aimed to protect consumer interests, ensuring that the content offered on these platforms is authentic, free from hate speech, pornography and other forms of inappropriate content.

Furthermore, the Code also aims to provide users with age-appropriate content relevant for all family members.

Companies participating in the Code said in a statement, “We share a mutual objective of putting consumer well-being at the heart of our services. This Code demonstrates our commitment to making sure that the consumer is able to make content viewing choices that are right for them and their families.”

They also welcome other video-on-demand services to work under the principles, as it would help to distinguish legitimate services from pirate sites.

“When a consumer goes to a pirate site for content, not only do they undermine legitimate businesses, but there are no checks on the content, which means minors can very easily be exposed to pornography or graphic violence,” said CASBAA CEO Louis Boswell.