- Kyle Chua
SG’s Proposed Internet Rules Require Social Media Platforms To Enhance Online Safety of Users
The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) in Singapore wants to enact laws that require social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Twitter to protect their users from harmful content through the implementation of new safety standards.
"There is a growing global movement pushing to enhance online safety, recognising harms come along with the good when people engage on social media," wrote Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo in a Facebook post on Monday, 20 June.
In the same post, she outlined some of the proposed new Internet rules that she hopes to pass.
Under this proposal, social media platforms must adopt content moderation mechanisms that minimise users’ exposure to media that depicts or promotes sex, violence or self-harm. These platforms should also proactively remove terrorism-related content and child sexual exploitation and abuse material.
Users, meanwhile, must be able to report harmful content or unwanted interactions, and platforms are expected to take action in a timely manner. The channels where users can place their reports should also be permanently available and easily accessible.
Additionally, the platforms have to produce annual accountability reports that will be published on the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s website. These reports will include metrics that show the effectiveness of the implemented systems for users specifically in Singapore.
"Many countries have enacted or are in the process of enacting laws to protect users against online harms," said Mrs Teo. "This means learning from other countries' experiences, engaging tech companies on the latest tech developments and innovations, and understanding our people's needs."
She added in a media briefing that MCI has been consulting with the tech industry since earlier this month on how to better implement the proposal, as The Straits Times reports. Meanwhile, public consultations are scheduled to begin in July.
The aim of the proposal, as Mrs Teo notes, is to standardise safety regulations across social media platforms and give authorities legal power to take action against the platforms that fail to comply. An MCI spokesperson however said that the specifics of the consequences that social media platforms could face if they fail to follow requirements are still being developed.
The regulations will be added to the Broadcasting Act after the consultations. And if passed, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) can instruct social media platforms to block content it deems harmful to Singapore users.
Mrs Teo also said MCI is collaborating with the Ministry of Home Affairs to improve the protection of Singaporeans, especially minors, from illegal activities online, such as child pornography and scams, to name a couple of examples.
The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) wants to enact laws that require social media platforms to protect their users from harmful content through the implementation of new safety standards.
Under this proposal, social media platforms must adopt content moderation mechanisms that minimise users’ exposure to media that depicts or promotes sex, violence or self-harm, among other requirements.
The aim of the proposal, as Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo, is to give authorities legal power to take action against the platforms that fail to comply.