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 proactive 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.
IMDA can also direct SMSs and ADSs to block or remove egregious content found on their platforms within specified timelines to ensure that our internet remains safe for all Singapore users.
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.
Educational efforts
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
A safer internet together
When you see something inappropriate or harmful on social media, it's easy to just react with an emoji or scroll past 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:
Inappropriate or harmful content can take many forms. They include content that depicts and/or promotes:
- Cyberbullying
- Sexual or violent behaviour and acts
- Suicide and self-harm
- Vice and organised crime
- Products or acts that endanger public health
You may refer to our guidelines for more examples of such content.
Let’s make online safety our shared responsibility!
Protect yourself and loved ones in digital space
Annual Online Safety Reports
IMDA will publish Annual Online Safety Reports submitted by Designated Social Media Services and Designated App Distribution Services to help users make informed choices on services that provide a safer online experience.
The first Annual Online Safety Reports for Designated Social Media Services have been submitted and will be made available here. They will be published alongside IMDA’s overall assessment of these Designated Social Media Services' efforts to keep Singapore’s online space safe.
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