Countering Glamourisation of Criminal Activities Online
Ministry of Digital Development and InformationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns strategies to mitigate the online glamorisation of criminal activities, as raised by Mr Yip Hon Weng regarding the "post-and-boast" culture. Minister for Digital Development and Information Mrs Josephine Teo stated that the Code of Practice for Online Safety requires designated social media services to implement system-level measures against harmful content. She emphasised that platforms must enforce their own guidelines prohibiting illegal activities, while the government continues to collaborate with them to address emerging digital challenges. Additionally, the Police remain vigilant against such viral trends and will firmly deal with individuals who participate in criminal offences online.
Transcript
38 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) what targeted strategies has the Ministry considered to mitigate the glamorisation of criminal activities online, in view of the rise of the "post-and-boast" culture on social media platforms; and (b) whether there are plans to collaborate with social media companies to address this issue.
Mrs Josephine Teo: The Government does not condone individuals who post about their criminal activities on social media and seek to glamourise them. Such acts demonstrate a lack of accountability for their actions and disregard for victims of crime.
Under the Code of Practice for Online Safety – Social Media Services (SMSs), designated SMSs with significant reach or impact, such as Facebook, HardwareZone, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube, are required to put in place system-level measures to minimise Singapore users' access to harmful content, including content facilitating vice and organised crime. The designated SMSs' own community guidelines prohibit illegal and criminal content on their platforms, and we expect them to enforce these guidelines. The Government will continue to work with designated SMSs to ensure that their community guidelines remain fit-for-purpose and effectively address emerging challenges.
The Police are aware of the "post-and-boast" culture on social media and would like to remind members of the public to abide by our laws and not to participate in acts or viral online trends that constitute a criminal offence. Those who break the law will be dealt with firmly.