IMDA’s approach to online safety
Regulatory efforts
IMDA implemented the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, which took effect from 1 February 2023, to ensure a safe online environment for users in Singapore and protect children from harmful content. Our regulatory approach comprises the Code of Practice for Online Safety and levers to address egregious content.
The Codes of Practice for Online Safety
A core part of our upstream measures are the Codes of Practice for Online Safety. Designated Social Media Services (SMSs) and Designated App Distribution Services (ADSs) with significant reach or impact in Singapore are required to curb the spread of harmful and inappropriate content on their platforms, forge a safer online ecosystem, and protect vulnerable users such as children, by:
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Enhancing user safety by minimising the exposure of harmful content to users, particularly children.
- Put in place community guidelines and content moderation processes to reduce the spread of harmful content.
- Proactively detect and remove material related to child sexual grooming, exploitation and abuse, or terrorism.
- Provide children’s accounts with stronger protection and safety features. For Designated ADSs, this includes having age assurance measures in place to prevent children from downloading age-inappropriate apps.
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Empowering users by providing accessible and easy-to-use tools to report harmful content or unwanted interactions.
- Act on user reports in a timely and diligent manner.
- Inform users of the outcome and any action taken in response to their reports.
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Ensuring accountability by publishing Annual Online Safety Reports.
- These Annual Online Safety Reports will provide transparency to Singapore users on the safety measures put in place so that users may make more informed choices.
You may refer to our Code of Practice for Online Safety - Social Media Services (159.00KB) and Code of Practice for Online Safety – App Distribution Services (188.96KB) for the full list of measures in place.
Dealing with Egregious Content
IMDA can also direct SMSs and ADSs (including those that are not designated) to block or remove egregious content as defined in the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act found on their platforms within specified timelines to ensure that our internet remains safe for all Singapore users. Egregious content includes:
- Content advocating or instructing on terrorism, suicide or self-harm, physical violence and sexual violence
- Content depicting child sexual exploitation
- Content posing public health risks in Singapore
- Content likely to cause racial and religious disharmony in Singapore
Annual Online Safety Reports
IMDA’s Online Safety Assessment Report 2024 – Designated SMSs
The Online Safety Assessment Report aims to inform Singapore users of the online safety measures Designated SMSs have in place, as required by the Code of Practice for Online Safety – Social Media Services (Code). It assesses the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of these measures to mitigate risks from harmful content, and highlights areas for improvement. This allows users, including parents, to make informed decisions for themselves and their children about the risks and available safety measures on the various Designated SMSs. The six Designated SMSs are Facebook, HardwareZone, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.
Online Safety Ratings
IMDA’s report assessed whether the Designated SMSs’ measures were comprehensive and effective in achieving the Code’s outcomes. Each Designated SMS received an overall rating and individual ratings which reflect the extent to which the Designated SMSs’ achieved this. Overall, the ratings show that the Designated SMSs performed better in User safety measures for all users and Accountability, some Designated SMSs did not do as well in User safety measures for children and User reporting and resolution.
Annual Online Safety Reports by Designated Services
IMDA will publish annual online safety reports submitted by Designated Services to help users make informed choices on services that provide a safer online experience.
The first annual online safety reports from Designated SMSs are now available. Access them below.
A safer internet together
When you see something harmful or inappropriate on social media or app stores, it's easy to just react with an emoji or ignore it. However, you have the power to help stop its spread!
Do your part to keep our internet safe for everyone, especially our young ones, by stepping up to REPORT it.
Visit Designated Social Media Services’ (SMSs) and Designated App Distribution Services’ (ADSs) Safety Centres to find out how to report harmful or inappropriate content and other ways to manage your safety:
Designated SMSs:
Designated ADSs:
Protect yourself and loved ones in digital space
Beyond regulation, public education is crucial in enabling Singaporeans to keep themselves and their loved ones safe online. The Digital for Life (DfL) movement, launched on 8 February 2021, aims to galvanise the community across the 3Ps (Private, Public and People) to help Singaporeans embrace digital and enrich lives. In support of the movement, IMDA works closely with the Media Literacy Council to develop digital literacy, promote responsible online behaviour, and cultivate a safe digital environment.
Come learn how to stay safe, smart and kind online, by checking out the resources at www.digitalforlife.gov.sg
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