AMRI backs KL declaration on safe social media use

The Sun

07-05-2025

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The 17th Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) and Related Meetings concluded with strong backing for the 'Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for ASEAN'.
In a joint media statement issued at the end of the conference, ASEAN reaffirmed its collective commitment to cultivating a safe, inclusive, and responsible digital environment across the region.
'The meeting reaffirmed the importance of promoting a resilient and people-centred ASEAN Community by addressing the challenges posed by the misuse of social media, including the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and online exploitation,' the statement read.
Ministers also highlighted the vital role of ASEAN's information sector in fostering collaborative engagement with key stakeholders, including social media platforms, to craft and implement practical measures to address harmful online content while safeguarding freedom of expression.
The meeting also acknowledged the ongoing development of the 'Guidelines for Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for ASEAN', which aims to provide pragmatic strategies for enhancing online safety and promoting cyber wellness across member states.
According to the joint statement, AMRI also endorses the 'Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration to Reaffirm the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information's Commitment to Strategic Progress in Media and Information'.
The declaration underscores AMRI's ongoing commitment to strengthening cooperation and elevating the role of the information and media sector in the ASEAN Community beyond 2025.
'Furthermore, the meeting recalled AMRI's foundational objectives since its establishment in 1989, recognising the sector's vital contribution to ASEAN's development and its transversal role in supporting cross-cutting regional priorities,' it said.
The declaration also sets a strategic direction for enhancing the sector's capacity in navigating digital era challenges, particularly in combating disinformation, managing the effects of digital transformation, the empowerment of youth as key drivers of innovation in media and communication as well as to promote the creative economy across the region.
In addition, AMRI commended the substantive progress in the implementation of the ASEAN Strategic Plan for Information and Media (2016-2025), recognising it as a conerstone for regional collaboration, enhancing public awareness of ASEAN and promote regional identity and resilience.
AMRI also acknowledged the ongoing development of the Work Plan for Information and Media (2026-2035), a successor roadmap designed to address the complexities of a rapidly evolving media landscape.
'The new Work Plan is expected to strengthen ASEAN's ability to respond to emerging trends, including rapid digital transformation, technological innovation, disinformation, and the growing demand for inclusive and accessible media content, as ASEAN moves towards its Post-2025 Vision,' according to the joint statement.
The ministers also recognised the steady implementation of the ASEAN Communication Master Plan (ACMP) II (2018-2025), which has played a vital role in raising regional awareness and fostering a stronger sense of ASEAN identity among its people.
Building on these gains, AMRI noted the ongoing efforts to develop ACMP III (2026-2030), which aimed at building on current achievements and guiding strategic communication for future ASEAN community-building initiatives.
In tackling the pervasive challenge of misinformation, AMRI also acknowledged the work of the ASEAN Task Force on Fake News (TFFN) and underscored the need for stronger content moderation, enhanced self-regulation and closer collaboration with digital platforms to refine guidelines and harmonise policies across the region.