UNIVERSITY TEKNOLOGI MARA CAWANGAN SELANGOR KAMPUS SHAH ALAM FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES (COM 410) GROUP ASSIGNMENT: PREPARED BY: NUR FARAH HUDA BINTI AHMAD KAMAL (2023491946) NUR SAKINAH BINTI SULAIMAN (2023606964) GROUP: COM 411 G PREPARED FOR: MR. MOHD NAZRI BIN IBRAHIM DATE OF SUBMISSION: TH DECEMBER 2023 GROUP ASSIGNMENT: PREPARED BY: NUR FARAH HUDA BINTI AHMAD KAMAL (2023491946) NUR SAKINAH BINTI SULAIMAN (2023606964) GROUP: COM 411 G FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA (UiTM) KAMPUS SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR DATE OF SUBMISSION: TH DECEMBER 2023 ACKNOWLEDGMENT TABLE OF CONTENT CONTENT 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Advantages and disadvantages of using internet as a platform for expression. 2.1 Advantages of using internet platform 2.2 Disadvantages of using internet platform 3.0 Identify and classify on the best practices for individual in voicing out opinion on social media platforms within a legal and ethical framework 3.1 Legal Consideration 3.1 Ethical Framework 4.0 Local Cases 4.1 Fake News 4.2 Cyberbullying 5.0 Conclusion 6.0 References PAGE 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Internet is a global network of computers that are interconnected and is a network of computers that are used to communicate with each other using devices. The Internet has an extensive network, and it can carry out information exchange processes globally. The Internet has several features such as communication, access to information, E-commerce, entertainment etc. The internet network gives users the advantage to communicate regardless of the distance from each other. Next, with the presence of this internet platform, gives advantages and convenience to users in searching for information. With the existence of the internet platform, access to information is at the fingertips with almost any topic of information being searchable. With the existence of the internet platform, it has helped transform buying and selling into E-commerce. It makes it easier for sellers to expand their business and have a large target audience. However, it also gives the buyer an advantage that saves time, is cheaper and easy to find. Then, with the existence of internet platforms, users can access entertainment on various platforms in various forms. Users can also access their entertainment programs whenever and wherever they are, unlike in the past that required users to follow a set schedule of entertainment programs. To enable device communication across various networks, the Internet depends on a set of standardized protocols, including TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). User interfaces for interacting with the internet are provided by web browsers, email clients, and other applications. The World Wide Web is one of the services that runs on the Internet, and the Internet provides the fundamental infrastructure that permits data transfer. In this report assignment, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of internet platforms for users. And we will study the best way for users of this internet platform to share and voice their opinions openly. This is because of the wide access given by the internet platform to the users, making the users start to give their opinions openly. This matter has a positive and negative impact on society. 2.0 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING INTERNET AS A PLATFORM FOR EXPRESSION These days, the internet plays a huge and crucial role in our lives. The main justification is that, in terms of knowledge sharing and resource availability, it is quicker and more practical than previous methods. 2.1 ADVANTAGES OF USING INTERNET PLATFORM 2.1.1 The public gains the ability to state an opinion - Everyone has the right to express their opinion. This right includes the license to hold opinions and to receive feedback without interference from the public authority and other frontiers. -The internet tends to encourage free liberal communication and a collaborative attitude while sharing information. -The internet tends to be seen as a safe space for the public to raise their opinion without any sensory and biased towards any particular party. Having access to global ideas and opinions through the internet shows how it can empower the community to form their own opinions and have meaningful conversations with like-minded people. As a result, diversity of opinions facilitates a more inclusive and transparent speech about significant issues. 2.1.2 The public has the right to show the freedom of artistic expression -Art has been an impactful form of expression for centuries. It speaks to our emotions, reflexes, and thoughts and engages the public on a deeper level. - Art can be seen as one medium to confront the public about the major issues of the day. Thus, freedom of expression has always been shown in the activities of galleries and movie theaters as well as in the works of artists. -This has been a relevant medium for the exchange of ideas and opinions in many components of any democratic society. Finally. Art has proven to be an incredible force in driving social change and creating awareness around pertinent issues. By having the internet as a large source of art, it can open more access to works of art without any censorship. 2.1.3 Community gains the privilege of international communication - Freedom of information is one of the privileges given by the internet. It also includes the ability of the public to be informed by the trusted resource which is partially guaranteed by a free press and independent media. - With the internet which is a truly certified global medium for information, the freedom to receive and transmit ideas and information regardless of borders has reached its greatest extent. 2.2 DISADVANTAGES OF USING INTERNET PLATFORM Our communication has been completely transformed by the Internet, which provides a wide range of platforms for expression and engagement. But even with all of the advantages, there are a number of drawbacks to be aware of. This essay highlights the potential hazards that users may face by examining the negative aspects of using the Internet as a platform for expression. The first disadvantage is misinformation and disinformation. The widespread dissemination of false and misleading information is one of the main disadvantages of the Internet as a medium for expression. False data can spread quickly due to the ease of distributing and disseminating content, which causes confusion and erodes public confidence in communication via the internet. The second disadvantage is online harassment and cyberbullying. People can act harmfully on the Internet without worrying about repercussions because of the anonymity it offers. Cyberbullying and online harassment have spread like wildfire, negatively impacting countless people's mental health. The gravity of these issues is increased by the absence of in-person responsibilities. The third disadvantage is vulnerability to cyber threats. Because of its mutual dependence, the Internet is vulnerable to a number of digital threats, such as malware, phishing, and hacking. Online expression exposes users to risks that could jeopardize their financial stability and personal security. Even though the Internet offers an audience for expression that is unmatched, it is important to recognize and address the drawbacks that come with it. Users have to navigate a complicated digital environment due to the spread of false information, privacy issues, and an increase in online harassment. It is crucial that we create plans and protections to lessen the negative effects and promote a safer online atmosphere as we continue to enjoy the advantages of online expressing themselves. 3.0 IDENTIFY AND CLASSIFY ON THE BEST PRACTICES FOR INDIVIDUAL IN VOICING OUT OPINION ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS WITHIN A LEGAL AND ETHICAL FRAMEWORK 3.1 LEGAL CONSIDERATION So far there are several laws in Malaysia that are used to regulate the use of social media which has been enacted by The Malaysian Parliament such as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588], 3.1.1 Computer Crime Act 1997 [Act 563] The Computer Crime Act 1997 is related to offenses relating to the misuse of computers for the purpose of committing a crime. Under this act, unauthorized access or alteration of any program or data contained in a computer is wrongful and punishable. This Act is also effective for any crime committed outside Malaysia even if the offense is committed by a person or from a place outside Malaysia as long as the computer, program or data is in Malaysia or can be reached, connected or used by a computer in Malaysia. 3.1.2 Sedition Act 1948 [Act 15] The Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) in Malaysia is a law that prohibits speech deemed to be sedition. This act was originally enacted by the colonial authorities of British Malaya in 1948 to join the local communist rebellion. 3.1.3 Act Defamation 1957 [Act 286] The Defamation Act 1957 or Defamation Act 1957 (Act 286) is a law that is used to protect individuals from being accused of things that are not true and can bring harm to a person's good name. 3.2 ETHICAL FRAMEWORK Nowadays voicing out your opinion on social media has become a trend. Not to deny that social media has given a lot of benefit to us especially in voicing out our opinion where it made the society feels to be heard. When discussing about ethics in media, there are 3 levels of media ethics that are need to be consider such as Meta Ethics, Normative Ethics, and Applied Ethics. These 3 offered a differences perspectives of ethics concerns in media production and consumption. 3.2.1 Meta Ethics The base of everything, questioning and understanding the nature of morality itself. Understanding the underlying nature and foundations of morality helps us analyze and debate different ethical theories, assess the validity of moral claims, and approach ethical dilemmas with greater clarity and critical thinking. 3.2.2 Normative Ethics equips us with the tools to navigate the moral landscape, make wellconsidered choices, and strive to live ethical lives. 3.2.3 Applied Ethics consider the relevant facts, circumstances, and stakeholders involved. Understanding the context ensures you don't apply general principles blindly. Applying the ethics in the real-world situations 4.0 LOCAL CASES 4.1 FAKE NEWS The Internet is an incredible resource for news and information but unfortunately, not all of it can be trusted. Any article or video that presents false information under the guise of a reliable news source is considered fake news. Although fake news is not something new to the internet, it has lately grown to be a significant issue in this modern digital world. Asia cracks down on coronavirus 'fake news' Published Apr 10, 2020, 7:06 Pm Sgt HONG KONG (AFP) - Hundreds of people have been arrested across Asia for posting purported false coronavirus information, according to an Agence France-Presse investigation, deepening concerns that growing government efforts to combat "fake news" will target the wrong people and silence dissent. From teenagers to a TV star, people have been wrongly detained under vaguely worded cybercrime laws or broad state-of-emergency powers ushered in since the outbreak began, rights groups say. "Governments are using the 'fake news' label to dress up their rights-abusing efforts to censor views and statements that are at odds with whatever strategy they have taken to deal with the Covid-19 crisis," said Mr Phil Robertson, Asia deputy director for Human Rights Watch (HRW). "It's insane frankly. In many cases, it's people being dragged out of their homes to the lockup, put in pre-trial detention, in crowded spaces where they're more likely to get Covid." At least 266 people have been arrested for posting coronavirus-related information in 10 Asian countries, from Thailand to India and Mongolia, according to an AFP tally based on police reports. Across hundreds of advantages that have been provided by the internet, there is always an unpredictable part that has been wrongly used by the public. The main provider of information which is the internet has become manipulated by those selfish for their own goods. This shows that the Internet has its own weaknesses that should be improved by the times. According to EO No. 2, news or information that "is or are wholly or partly false relating to COVID-19 or the proclamation of emergency" is considered "fake news." If found guilty, the offender faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison, a maximum fine of RM100,000, or both (Ministry of Communications, 2023). Hence, it shows how important to be aware of the news that is stated so we do not be one of the victims of these issues. 4.2 CYBERBULLYING “Malaysia is 2nd in Asia for youth cyberbullying” Published: Friday, 14 Jan 2022 1:03 PM MYT KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia ranks second in Asia in 2020 for cyberbullying among youths, according to a United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) report - indicating that cyberbullying is becoming an increasingly prominent problem in the country. The popular usage of social media platforms had made it a rife breeding ground for cyberbullying and toxic behaviour, not only among youths but adults as well. A researcher on cyberbullying among youths, Jessie Yong Tse Shing said that such behaviour could be the projection of their own unhappiness due to being deprived of their basic needs. Studies had also revealed that perpetrators of cyberbullying experienced higher rates of loneliness, said Yong during TalkSpace, a webinar recently held to address issues related to cyberbullying, particularly among youths. "This is due to a lack of affection by family members and the society around them. Bullying people online is their attempt to seek attention from strangers," she explained. She added that those with lower rates of global self-worth, social acceptability, and popularity were also likely to engage in cyberbullying, as studies have shown that cyberbullies were often socially incompetent individuals. -The Star 5.0 CONCLUSION REFERENCES