SINGAPORE (AFP) – Social media sites could be blocked or fined in Singapore if they fail to stop users in the country from accessing “harmful” content under a proposed law introduced in Parliament yesterday.
Under the bill, regulators can order social media platforms to block “egregious content” including posts advocating violence and extremism or depictions of child sexual exploitation.
Content that poses a public health risk or that is likely to cause racial and religious disharmony in Singapore is also included, the Ministry of Communications and Information said in a statement yesterday.
“While some online services have made efforts to address harmful content, the prevalence of harmful online content remains a concern, given the high level of digital penetration and pervasive usage of online services among Singapore users, including children,” the ministry said.
Regulators can also order platforms to block a specific account from being accessed by users in Singapore, but the orders will not apply to private communications.
Parliament will debate the bill in November.
If it is passed, it would give authorities another tool to control online content.
