Bangkok: "Supamas" is advocating for the creation of a Safe Media Fund, in collaboration with the Department of Public Relations and MCOT, to shield children and youth from harmful online content.
According to Thai News Agency, Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and Chairperson of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund, is actively working to establish safe online environments for young people. Her initiative follows her participation in a public forum addressing the issue of obscene live streaming on digital platforms.
Supamas highlighted that the issue of obscene content live-streamed online is only a small part of the broader problem. Other threats include online gambling disguised within child-friendly content, AI-powered deceit, fake news, bullying, hate speech, and misleading advertisements. These issues pose significant risks to children and youth.
She emphasized that these efforts align with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy to enforce laws and regulate platforms, with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society leading these initiatives. As the supervisor of the Public Relations Department, MCOT, and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, Supamas is committed to integrating and supporting these efforts through the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund.
The fund has been tasked with studying international laws and approaches that hold platforms accountable for their content, alongside evaluating Thai legislation to identify gaps. The aim is to enhance legal enforcement against online threats. Supamas stressed the importance of proactive measures, focusing on building social resilience and supporting the production of high-quality media.
Additionally, the fund is working to improve media literacy among children, youth, and families, empowering them to recognize and avoid online dangers. Supamas has called for a network of citizens, journalists, and influencers to contribute to media monitoring and the creation of positive content. The Public Relations Department and MCOT will serve as units to counter fake news, while the Office of the Consumer Protection Board will tackle deceptive advertising.
Supamas urged the public to refrain from engaging with inappropriate content and to report such material immediately. For any online threats, individuals are encouraged to contact the hotline 1441, and for misleading advertising, the Consumer Protection Board hotline 1166.