Singapore: Implemented Code of Practice for Online Safety

On 19 July 2023, the Code of Practice for Online Safety issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) came into effect. The Code aims to address the risks of harmful social media content, enhance online safety, and curb the spread of harmful content. It requires designated Social Media Services (SMSs) to minimise Singapore users’ exposure to harmful content, with additional protection for children, to provide users with mechanisms to report harmful content or unwanted interactions, and to provide transparency on their measures and levels of safety in annual online safety reports. The Code includes several categories of harmful content, including sexual, violent, suicide and self-harm, cyberbullying, content that jeopardises public health, as well as content facilitating vice and organised crime.