Fact Check! Know Your Online F.O.E. podcast tackles free speech in the digital age

By: Maisarah Mohd

GOMBAK, 29 May 2024: An enlightening podcast session on the topic of online freedom of expression featured an in-depth discussion between two distinguished speakers, IIUM Communication Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed Arabi, and founder and managing director of Tech Capacity, Datin Dr. Norrizan Razali. The podcast delved into the complexities and current challenges surrounding free speech in the digital age.

The conversation opened with Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed Arabi Idid emphasied the concept of freedom of expression, which, “takes place within a space”. He added, “…there must be an intention within that space, whether it is called for or been pushed by someone, your freedom of expression is limited by that space…”

He further highlighted how power and role in relationships affect the freedom of expression, and only when these dynamics are seen, will people be able to understand it from various levels, from the family level, societal level to between citizens and the government.

Datin Dr. Norrizan said, “The similarities between the traditional and digital media on freedom of expression is often overlooked, where both media actually control the narrative, so people tend to think that there’s more room for freedom of expression in the current digital media.” She added on how the difference is that one is controlled by the government, while the other has a line of shareholders observing it, respectively.

Adding on the differences between the traditional and digital media, she summarised it under the 4Vs. Firstly is velocity, where the speed of freedom of expression being made on digital platforms is expeditious and wild. Secondly, virality, when in this digital era, people are always looking for ‘viral things’ to be followed before doing anything. Next, is volume, the sheer volume of data being online is immense. And lastly, is veracity, as everyone today can share and generate content themselves, it is important to fact check the information firsthand.

Touching on the legal and ethical aspects of the topic, Datin Dr. Norrizan further added, “I discovered that social media is also referred to as the Golden Era of freedom of speech, which is a misconception.” She mentioned how despite this, people are not able to run away from it due to the lack of a regulatory system to control the freedom of expression over the internet.

“You have rights to use the digital platforms, however that right comes with responsibilities, that you have to use it ethically and responsibly,” she said. People today are not expecting any consequences on their freedom of expression as the rights and responsibilities are not heavily practiced online, which according to Datin Dr. Norrizan is a challenge to be tackled. 

Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed Arabi mentioned how the ongoing trend today is, the freedom of expression and press are receding, especially in the underdeveloped or non-democratic countries. However, he also emphasised that ironically, there are differences in trust to the press among these countries, where the citizens’ level of trust is higher compared to other developed countries.

The insightful podcast session ended with a mini game called, ‘This or That’, where both the speakers chose their preferences based on options mentioned by the speaker. And finally a token of appreciation was delivered by the Department of Communication’s internship instructor, Dr. Helmi bin Yusoh.

Held at the Human Sciences IIUM TV studio, the event was moderated by Sr. Janani Arifah, IIUMTV host, and broadcasted live on IIUMTV’s youtube channel and the @comminternsiium instagram page. The program was also sponsored by SKEM Driving Academy and Malaysian Community Care Foundation (MCCF).***