Digital inclusivity a shared responsibility: Rahayu Mahzam

Building an inclusive digital society isa shared responsibility for all, said Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam.

- Zhaki Abdullah Correspondent

While community partners can help support digital parenting, companies and agencies can adopt accessible digital design practices, she said in Parliament on Sept 25.

And as individuals, people can help neighbours and family members pick up new digital skills or set examples for positive use of technology for children, she said during the debate on the President’s Address.

“Today, digital technology has already woven itself into almost every aspect of life. We access digital government services, use the internet for school and work, shop online at our convenience and connect with loved ones through messaging apps and social media,” said Ms Rahayu.

This, however, comes with both opportunities and challenges, she added.

In addition to misinformation and disinformation, there has been a “troubling rise” in online harms, she noted, pointing to a poll conducted by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) in 2024 which found that more than 70 per cent of respondents had _ encountered harmful online content such as cyber bullying.

“To better protect Singaporeans from online harms, we have been strengthening our regulatory tools,” she said.

She pointed to amendments to the Broadcasting Act, which gives the Infocomm Media Development Authority the legal powers to issue directions to prevent users in Singapore from accessing harmful content on social media services and app stores.