voluntary restraints; self-regulation; self-limitation
Used for industries, organizations, or individuals voluntarily limiting their own actions, often to avoid external regulation or criticism.
The industry plans to strengthen its voluntary restraints.
Self-regulation is being called for regarding online expression.
規制 is a general term for regulation or control, often imposed externally, while 自主規制 emphasizes that the regulation is self-imposed.
自己規制 is a near-synonym but less common; 自主規制 is the standard term in business and media contexts.
Compound of 自主 (self-directed, autonomous) and 規制 (regulation, control).