6 World V I D E O A G E January 2022 (Continued from Page 4) This concept is not something new. In the My2¢ editorial of VideoAge’s May 2017 Issue it was reported that “In the U.K., Section 127 of the country’s Communications Act of 2003 makes it an offense to send a message of a menacing character over a public electronic communications network.” Despite the consumer media’s delay in acknowledging the threats that social media present to society, their newfound interest is nonetheless considered commendable. Malaysia Fights Illegal Streaming In December 2021, Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat (the Malaysian House of Representatives) passed the Copyright (Amendment) Bill 2021, which, among other things, will directly address the challenges of illegal streaming. How the amendment will be used remains to be seen, but the scope appears to be intentionally broad. The first section of the amendment deals with those who “commit or facilitate infringement” of copyright by manufacturing a streaming technology for sale or hire, importing a streaming technology, selling or letting for hire (including offering, exposing, or advertising for sale or hire), and/or possessing or distributing a streaming technology in the course of a business. It expands to include distributing or offering to the public an infringing streaming technology or service other than in the course of a business, to such an extent “as to affect prejudicially the owner of the copyright.” Anyone who contravenes these amendments will be guilty of an offense and upon conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than 10,000 ringgit (U.S.$2,377), but not more than 200,000 ringgit (U.S.$47,545). In addition to the possibility of fines, there are also custodial sentences that could reach a 20year imprisonment sentence in the most serious of cases. In its May 2017 Issue, VideoAge sounded the alarm for the threats presented by social media, and offered solutions as to how to solve the problems in a front cover article. More than 53 months later, on October 30, The Wall Street Journal sounded the same alarm in a front page article in its “Review” section that continued inside on three additional full tabloid pages. One of the Journal’s most interesting articles, titled, “Social Media Should be Treated Like Broadcasting,” was written by Nicholas Carr, a visiting professor of Sociology at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Professor Carr reminded readers that U.S. laws define broadcasting as a privilege (not a right) and require radio and TV stations to operate in the public interest. Broadcasters that ignore this provision risk losing their licenses. Carr continued: “If we’re to solve today’s problem with social media, we first need to acknowledge that companies like Facebook, Google, and Twitter are not technology companies, as they like to present themselves. They’re broadcasters.” Traditional Media On Social Media Peril (Continued on Page 8) JAN 2022 JUNIOR PAGE_ 7.284”x 9.055” VIDEO AGE JR. PAGE GRB Studios Genre: Paranormal Duration: 20 X 60’ www. g r b t v . c om l s a l e s@g r b t v. c om Genre: Lifestyle Duration: 32 X 30’ BOOT H 5 1 5 N A T P E M I A M I 2 0 2 2 T H E D E A D W A L K A M O N G U S EXECUT I VE PRODUCER NICK GROFF Genre: Docu-Series Duration: 9X 60’
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