The Government began a public consultation on Wednesday (July 13) to gather opinions on proposed measures to improve online safety for social media users, especially young people.
MCI announced two suggestions in June.
First, a Code of Practice for Online Safety will require social media platforms with significant reach or influence to reduce exposure to harmful online content for Singapore-based users, particularly those under 18.
The second will empower Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to instruct social media services to prohibit local access to damaging information, such as online material that incites racial or religious strife.
"We know certain social networking sites shield their users. Measurements vary per service "MCI's consultation report claimed.
"Singapore's sociocultural environment must be considered when analyzing damaging social media material. More can be done to safeguard young people from hazardous online information."
Authorities are contemplating forcing designated social media sites to adopt community standards for six kinds of content: sexual content, violence, self-harm, cyberbullying, content threatening public health, and content promoting vice and organized crime.
"These certified services will also be expected to monitor material to prevent consumers' exposure to hazardous content," added MCI.
"These services must proactively detect and delete child sexual abuse and terrorist materials."
For young users, MCI advocated tougher community rules and methods to restrict exposure to hazardous information.
The ministry stated these techniques might limit young users' account visibility.
"The tools might be engaged by default for services that allow under-18 signups," it said.
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