ASEAN Ministers endorse Kuala Lumpur Declaration for safer digital space
Hosted by Malaysia, the conference tackled key digital challenges, including hate speech, online exploitation, and misinformation. Ministers emphasised the need to protect freedom of expression while promoting cyber resilience.
ASEAN’s 17th Conference of Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) concluded with unanimous support for the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for ASEAN. The declaration underscores the region’s commitment to digital safety, countering disinformation, and fostering responsible online behaviour.
Hosted by Malaysia, the conference tackled key digital challenges, including hate speech, online exploitation, and misinformation. Ministers emphasised the need to protect freedom of expression while promoting cyber resilience. They also welcomed ongoing efforts to develop regional guidelines for safe social media use, aiming to balance user empowerment with digital security.
The meeting endorsed the Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration, laying out strategic goals for ASEAN’s post-2025 media and information policy. It also acknowledged youth as pivotal to innovation in digital communication.
Progress under the current ASEAN media plan (2016–2025) was recognised, along with discussions on the upcoming roadmap (2026–2035) and the next ASEAN Communication Master Plan (2026–2030). The importance of tackling fake news was a central theme, with support reaffirmed for the ASEAN Task Force on Fake News.
Finally, the ministers praised ongoing cultural and media collaboration within ASEAN and with international partners. The next AMRI will take place in Cambodia in 2027, with continued focus on safe, inclusive, and resilient digital engagement.
