iWant signs ASEAN content code

The Content Code also aims to protect minors from accessing age-inappropriate and sensitive content, empowers the subscribers and their families to select content that caters to their needs, interests, passion and values, and serves to distinguish legitimate services from pirate sites

HOOQ country manager Sheila Paul, AVIA policy and research director Clare Bloomfield, iWant head Elaine Uy-Casipit, Netflix public policy manager for Asia Pacific Alex Long and iflix country manager Sherwin de la Cruz.

The Philippine curated online video ecosystem has changed rapidly in the last five years. Many local companies have built their own online platforms but were unable to keep up with the demand of the times and the competition and had to eventually close shop.

To date, iWant is the only streaming service made by Filipinos for the Filipinos. Known as iWanTV prior to its relaunch on 17 November 2018, iWant has moved from being a catch-up platform to having an expanded library that features original content (iWant Originals), blockbuster movies and primetime TV series. At present, iWant has 3.8 million app downloads and 13 million subscribers.

In reinforcing its commitment to be a socially responsible Online Curated Content (OCC) provider and keep its content authentic and free from any form of inappropriate content, iWant signed the ASEAN Subscription Video-on-Demand Industry Content Code with the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) on 28 August.

AVIA is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific that has developed the Content Code in 2017 and was officially released in June 2018. It is a self-regulatory framework to ensure that streaming platforms in the ASEAN region are committed to uphold their subscribers’ interests by providing content that does not infringe on copyright nor promote pornography, violence, terrorism and hate crimes.

The Content Code also aims to protect minors from accessing age-inappropriate and sensitive content, empowers the subscribers and their families to select content that caters to their needs, interests, passion and values, and serves to distinguish legitimate services from pirate sites.

AVIA chief executive officer Louis Boswell is delighted to welcome iWant as a new member, as it signs up to the code.

“Self-regulation of this industry was first discussed in September 2017 at the ASEAN Telecom Regulators Council dialogue, as a way to create pan-ASEAN solutions,” Boswell explains. “Putting in place a code which distinguishes legitimate, responsible content providers from pirated and user-generated-content platforms gives regulators confidence and consumers control. We are glad to see the momentum of adoption across the region and look forward to seeing more companies join us in this commitment.”

Even before becoming an AVIA member and signing the Content Code, iWant has been self-regulating the content it produces. There was also a time when iWant only makes certain age-appropriate content available from 12 midnight to 3:00 a.m. and even not searchable outside of this time slot.

According to iWant head Elaine Uy-Casipit, “We are honored and thrilled to unite with other distinguished streaming platforms in the region in this pledge to create and produce socially responsible content, which has always been the top priority of iWant as the Philippines’ first local streaming platform. Aside from providing high-quality entertainment that resonates with Filipinos, we want to make sure that our users are able to access and watch video content that matches the viewing preferences of every member of the family.”