9-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has instructed Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, to review and delete content on Facebook that contains child sexual exploitation material (CSEM), according to a statement released on Friday (Jun 9).
In response to IMDA’s directive, Meta promptly removed the offending page and group within 24 hours, as confirmed by the agency.
This marks the first instance of IMDA notifying a social media service about such content since the amendments to the Broadcasting Act last November, which introduced enhanced online safety requirements.
The police initially alerted IMDA to a Facebook page that was part of an online network facilitating the sharing of CSEM. Subsequently, IMDA uncovered a Facebook group that contained similar posts.
IMDA stated, “The posts contained hyperlinks that led viewers to a website with CSEM,” further revealing that it had directed internet service providers in Singapore to block a linked website that facilitated access to and distribution of similar content.
Parliament passed the Online Safety Act last year, which mandated social media platforms to swiftly block access to harmful content. The law empowers IMDA to address harmful online content accessible to users in Singapore, regardless of where the content is hosted or originated.
If an online communication service refuses to remove harmful online content, IMDA can direct internet service providers to block access for users in Singapore.
The Online Safety Act came into effect on February 1 this year. It reinforces Singapore’s commitment to maintaining a safe online environment and protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from the harms of CSEM.
