Notice of IMDA’s Proposal to Issue Code of Practice for Online Safety – App Distribution Services
14 October 2024
The Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, which came into force on 1 Feb 2023, empowers IMDA to issue Codes of Practice to ensure online safety at-scale by requiring designated Online Communication Services (“OCSs”) to implement system-wide measures to keep Singapore end-users safe.
IMDA proposes to issue a Code of Practice for Online Safety – App Distribution Services (“Code”). The Code specifies outcomes that App Distribution Services (“ADSs”) which are designated/will be designated under section 45K(1) of the Broadcasting Act 1994 have to meet to enhance online user safety, particularly for children, and curb the spread of harmful content on their service, including the distribution of, or online storage of harmful content on apps made available on their service.
IMDA will be seeking views and comments on the proposed Code from to-be-designated ADSs until 11 November 2024.
A draft of the Code can be found here below. A final version of the Code, along with the list of designated ADSs, will be published after taking into consideration views and comments from to-be-designated ADSs.
In discharging its role, IMDA engages multiple stakeholders from the public to industry players to seek their views on a wide range of issues that impact the sector.
In line with its emphasis on public engagement, IMDA regularly conducts consultation sessions with the public and industry. This process helps IMDA to ensure that its guidelines, codes, and standards remain relevant and aligned with community standards and social norms in compliance with IMDA regulations.
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