Proposed rules to cut exposure to harmful online content

Removal of inappropriate material, enacting safeguards for younger users among plans

- Rei Kurohi and Dominic Low

Social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Twitter will soon be legally required to implement safety standards and content moderation processes to minimise users’ risk of exposure to harmful online content such as terrorist propaganda.

They will also need to ensure additional safeguards for users who are under 18 years old, including tools to help them or their parents minimise their exposure to inappropriate content such as sexual or violent videos, and unwanted interactions like online stalking and harassment.

Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo announced some details of Singapore’s proposed new Internet rules in a Facebook post yesterday.

“There is a growing global movement pushing to enhance online safety, recognising harms come along with the good when people engage on social media,” she said.

“Many countries have enacted or are in the process of enacting laws to protect users against online harms.”

Touching on Singapore’s efforts to strengthen its online regulatory approach, she said the Republic prefers to learn from other countries, engage tech companies and understand the needs of its people.