Social Media Platforms Must Block Harmful Content Within Hours or Face Penalties
Singapore has passed a new law requiring social media platforms to remove harmful content within hours. If platforms refuse, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has the authority to direct Internet access providers to block access to the content for users in Singapore.
Titled the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, the law, introduced on October 3, empowers IMDA to tackle harmful online content, regardless of where it is hosted. Previously, the Broadcasting Act did not extend to foreign operators.
During the two-day debate, Members of Parliament (MPs) raised concerns about the growing prevalence of harmful online content, particularly in relation to children and vulnerable groups. The law defines harmful content to include material promoting terrorism, suicide, self-harm, sexual violence, child exploitation, public health risks, and content likely to incite racial or religious disharmony in Singapore.
Some MPs also suggested measures like mandatory screen time for children to address the effects of excessive social media use. Others questioned whether the law would apply to platforms such as e-commerce sites, online games, and semi-private groups like those on Discord or Telegram.
Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, explained that while the law does not cover private communications due to privacy concerns, it will address large groups used to spread harmful content. IMDA will take action against such instances, treating them similarly to non-private communications.
To prevent the law from being too broad or ineffective, Teo stressed a targeted approach. She further clarified that content promoting self-harm or suicide, even if part of a challenge or trend, would be considered harmful.
While the new law has drawn some concerns about restricting freedom of expression, Teo assured that it is designed to balance safety with respect for free speech, in line with Singapore’s Constitution. MPs also called for stricter enforcement, with some advocating for clear timelines within which harmful content must be removed. In response, Teo confirmed that IMDA would generally require removal within hours, especially for content related to terrorism.
The law also includes financial penalties for non-compliant social media services, with fines reaching up to S$1 million. However, some MPs, such as Desmond Choo, questioned whether these fines were sufficient compared to those in other countries. Teo argued that the penalties are in line with similar local legislation, and stressed that repeated non-compliance could harm a service’s reputation, giving users the power to decide whether to continue using it.
If platforms refuse to remove harmful content, IMDA can also direct Internet access service providers to block access to that content, a measure that will not be taken lightly but underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens.
