Singapore moves to fight harmful online content

Social media platforms may soon have to comply with a code of practice to tackle harmful online content accessible in Singapore, as stipulated in a bill introduced to the Parliament on October 3.

Illlustrative image (Photo: CNA)

Singapore (VNA) - Social media platforms may soon have to complywith a code of practice to tackle harmful online content accessible inSingapore, as stipulated in a bill introduced to the Parliament on October 3.

If enacted, the bill will empower the Infocomm MediaDevelopment Authority (IMDA) to designate online communication services thathave significant reach or impact, and require them to mitigate the risks ofbeing exposed to harmful content.

It will also empower IMDA to issue directions to deal withegregious content, according to a media factsheet from the Ministry ofCommunications and Information (MCI).

Egregious content includes content advocating suicide orself-harm, physical or sexual violence and terrorism, content depicting childsexual exploitation, content posing a public health risk in Singapore, andcontent likely to cause racial and religious disharmony in Singapore.

In March, Minister for Communications and InformationJosephine Teo announced that the Government was looking at introducing measuresto ensure a safer online environment, including for children. MCI launched apublic consultation on its proposals in July./.
VNA

See more