PUBLISHED: 7 Sep 2024 at 05: 25
Senator Keskamol Pleansamai has sparked controversy by proposing to establish a regulatory body to observe social media content and to file legal action against those accountable for any offensive or illegal content.
Dr. Keskamol stated in a statement to the Senate on Thursday that there is no recognized body with the power to properly regulate social media content because the NBTC and DES Ministers have distinct responsibilities.
The NBTC has no control over social media platforms, but it does control radio and communications. The DES Ministry, on the other hand, is responsible for virtual media but does not have the authority to regulate material, she said.
Social media outlets have monitoring, according to the senator, which could lead to the discharge of hazardous material that could threaten national security.
She suggested the establishment of a regulatory body with the specialist to file legal action against those responsible for inappropriate content.
Keskamol: Warns of threat to society
She even suggested creating safe and imaginative advertising, encouraging user media education, and providing reporting channels for inappropriate content.
She said,” I’m calling for the establishment of a system to effectively monitor social media content and collaborate with platform owners to prevent the dissemination of content that threatens society.”
However, the president’s plan has raised fears about freedom of speech.
The Society of Online News Providers ( SONP ) president Nanthasit Nitmetha argued that influencer-created content needs to be differentiated from that produced by media outlets.
He claimed that bloggers are regarded as operating easily and that online media sources are required to uphold professional standards and be governed by a professional code of ethics.
But, Mr. Nanthasit objected to any suggestions to govern influencers because they might be harmed by their right to free speech. Similar legislation to the system crime law already exists that addresses illegal information.
He advised anyone who is impacted by online information to report it to the platform’s creators, who could have it blocked, or file a lawsuit. Citizens of the Netherlands have responded to Dr. Keskamol’s suggestion because they believe that media command is a form of censorship that may harm the country’s reputation.