Singapore's Ministry of Digital Development and Information has urged social media platforms to respond more effectively and promptly to user reports, as the current average response time exceeds five days. This delay raises concerns, especially regarding the impact of delayed content removal on children.
In a recent parliamentary discussion, the ministry highlighted that many reported posts violating community guidelines often remain accessible even after being flagged. An assessment of six designated social media services revealed significant shortcomings in user safety measures, particularly on platforms like X and HardwareZone, where community guidelines were frequently not enforced, exposing children to inappropriate content.
Although platforms like Facebook and YouTube performed better, the ministry noted that children could still access age-inappropriate material. A report from Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) underscored the risks, revealing that children's accounts on X could easily access explicit adult content, with similar concerns identified on Facebook, YouTube, and HardwareZone.
In response to ongoing safety concerns, the Singaporean government has prioritized online safety. In July 2023, it introduced the Code of Practice for Online Safety, requiring social media platforms to reduce exposure to harmful content and enhance reporting mechanisms. Furthermore, a new Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services will take effect on March 31, 2025, mandating age assurance measures for app platforms.
The IMDA plans to review the responses of social media platforms in its upcoming annual online safety reports due in June 2025.
(Source: Xinhua)
Related News:
Elon Musk unveils Grok 3 Chatbot, calls it 'scary smart'
Elon Musk offers US$97.4 bn to acquire OpenAI, CEO responds: 'No thank you'
Comment