28-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Content Forum becomes first Malaysian partner in Google's flagger programme
KUALA LUMPUR: Google has partnered with the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) to strengthen online safety through its global Priority Flagger programme.
The move makes the Content Forum the first Malaysian organisation to join the initiative, which allows select partners to identify and report harmful content directly to Google and YouTube via dedicated review channels.
Operating under the purview of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Content Forum will now assist in flagging content that potentially violates platform policies, with consideration for local cultural contexts.
Google Malaysia country director Farhan Qureshi said the collaboration reflects the importance of tapping into local knowledge to create a safer digital environment.
"By working with organisations like the Content Forum, we are adding a crucial layer of local expertise, which deepens our ability to respond to harmful content with relevance and precision," he said.
The Priority Flagger programme enables trusted local agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to alert Google about problematic material across platforms such as Search, Maps, Play, Gmail, and YouTube.
These reports receive priority review due to the flaggers' industry expertise.
As a Priority Flagger, Content Forum will also participate in policy discussions and feedback sessions with Google, helping shape platform governance.
Content Forum chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood said the onboarding marked a meaningful advancement in the country's approach to content regulation.
"It allows us to move beyond dialogue into action, ensuring that harmful content is flagged and reviewed with the urgency it deserves.
"This collaboration reflects our continued role in setting industry standards, empowering communities, and contributing to a safer digital ecosystem through collective responsibility."
Content Forum is a self-regulatory industry body designated under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
It represents stakeholders ranging from broadcasters and advertisers to content creators, internet service providers, and civic groups.
