Senator Keskamol Pleansamai has sparked quite the controversy by proposing a new agency to regulate social media content, complete with the authority to take legal action against those responsible for harmful or illegal posts. In a fiery address to the Senate this past Thursday, Dr. Keskamol lamented the lack of a specific agency able to effectively oversee social media. The current divisions of responsibility between the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry seem to fall short.
The NBTC has its hands full regulating broadcasting media and telecommunications, but it has no jurisdiction over social media. Meanwhile, the DES Ministry oversees online media yet lacks the clout to regulate the actual content appearing on these platforms. This oversight vacuum results in unchecked harmful content that could pose serious risks to national security, according to the senator.
Dr. Keskamol didn’t just highlight the issue; she offered a concrete solution. She proposed the formation of a new regulatory agency armed with the authority to monitor and act against inappropriate content. She also emphasized fostering the development of safe and creative media content, promoting media literacy, and creating efficient channels for reporting inappropriate material.
“I’m calling for the establishment of a body that can effectively oversee social media content and collaborate with platform owners to halt the spread of content threatening societal well-being,” she declared.
This bold proposal has naturally stirred a debate over freedom of speech. Nanthasit Nitmetha, president of the Society of Online News Providers (SONP), weighed in on the issue. He pointed out that the content from media outlets and influencers shouldn’t be lumped together. Online media outlets follow professional standards and ethical guidelines, whereas influencers operate more freely.
However, Mr. Nanthasit staunchly opposed any move to regulate influencers, fearing it might infringe on their freedom of expression. He mentioned that existing legislation, like the computer crime law, already addresses illegal content. He argued that affected individuals could report harmful content to platform owners or pursue legal action.
Unsurprisingly, netizens have chimed in with their concerns. Many view Dr. Keskamol’s proposal as a potential gateway to censorship, threatening to tarnish the nation’s reputation.
As the debate rages on, it’s clear that striking a balance between ensuring public safety and preserving freedom of expression is no easy task. Senator Keskamol’s proposal, while controversial, has undeniably brought essential issues to the forefront of public discourse. Will it lead to meaningful policy changes, or will it be another unresolved controversy in the annals of internet regulation? Only time will tell.
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