MCI proposes setting default options that enable parents to monitor their children's on social media and filter what they see. Social media companies should report the frequency of harmful content on their platforms.
Singapore Enhances Online Restriction Among Users Below Legality
The Singaporean Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) suggested in a consultation document released on Wednesday (July 13) that the tools that enable parents and guardians to restrict who may contact and communicate with their children on social media and filters that limit what is seen be turned on by default.
According to The Star Times, this tool is for sites that let users below the age of 18 sign up. It is among the numerous suggested actions by the local authorities to combat online abuse better.
In consultation materials, MCI said that the services "may send warnings to young users and parents/guardians of young users of the ramifications when they choose to weaken the settings."
According to the proposed Code of Practice for Online Safety and the Material Code for Social Media Services, social media companies should also direct users who look for high-risk content, such as articles on self-harm and suicide, to counseling centers and helplines.
This also requires social media sites must establish community standards for six categories of content: sexual, violent, self-harm, cyberbullying, threatening to one's health, supporting vice, and organized crime.
Additionally, platform operators will be mandated to publish reports on the effectiveness of their policies frequently. The reports should also include details on the frequency of harmful content on their platforms, user complaints they have received and responded to, and the systems and procedures they have in place to deal with such content.
The government also seeks to give the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) the authority to order any social media site to block certain harmful information from Singaporean users or to stop specific online profiles from connecting with Singaporeans.
MCI Agreed to Media Company's Business Restructure Motion
On May 6, the Ministry of Communications and Information said that subject to shareholder approval supports, Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) plans to reorganize and transfer its media division, SPH Media, to a company limited by guarantee (CLG).
According to the ministry, the government is willing to finance the CLG's digital transformation and the development of future capacities.
The ministry also said that it is in Singapore's and its citizens' best interests for local media to flourish and provide high-caliber news. In line with this, S. Iswaran, Minister of Communications and Information, noted that a professional, competent, and recognized local news media is essential for our national interest.
He added that it must maintain Singaporeans' confidence as a trustworthy and impartial news source, covering both local and international events and the variety of viewpoints Singaporeans hold.
The need for dependable and reputable local media has been made more explicit in Singapore's battle against COVID-19 amid the rising fragmentation of the information environment. Seven of ten Singaporeans believed the local media's coverage of COVID-19.
