Regulations on various social media platform would come into effect in January since the Malaysian government requires them to register officially.
This is done in the hope that criminal activities can be curbed.
The social media platforms under scrutiny are Meta – the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and Thread – X, TikTok and Telegram. LinkedIn is probably the safest platform available at this point of time.
These platforms currently do not have a standardized community guideline and it is open to abuse by users.
The Elon Musk owned X, for an example, allows publication of consensual produced and distributed adult nudity.
Malaysia witnessed three suicide cases related to cyber bullying on TikTok before the government decided to amend laws that is expected in October.
Cyber bullying and body shaming are two negative activities that involved individuals conducting business on social media.
Telegram have been abused as a platform by crypto currency traders.
What do companies, brands and businesses in terms of marketing on social media platforms?
Many are doing it the traditional way. There are also those who get into theatrics. For instance, they crash an older laptop model on the floor to introduce a newer model.
The rules
Regardless of the regulations, businesses, companies and brands have to follow a certain set of ethics to build its presence and brand name in the long run.
The following are a set of rules, all in business have to abide by:
- Transparency: Be honest about who you are and what your business does. Be truthful in what you put out on your social media.
- Don’t troll and cyberbully: We have had enough deaths on one platform. This society doesn’t need more. Plus it tarnishes you and the brand you are associated with.
- Monitor and moderate comments.
- Promote positivity
- Disinformation and misinformation are no fly zones. Verify facts before sharing them.
- Fear mongering is another no fly zone. Don’t play up emotions.
- Provide value in your content and be consistent. That will build trust.
- Give credit where it is due so that run against copyright laws. Add a link to the original source.
- Ensure influencers who are partnering your brand and product are aligned to your brand’s values.
Adhere to the above regulations and keep your brand and products in tact and safe while maneuvering them on social media.
