Ensuring Short-form Reel-style Mini Movies and Series on Social Media Platforms are Suitable for General Audience
Ministry of Digital Development and InformationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether film classification and censorship measures apply to short-form reel-style mini movies and series on social media. Ms Yeo Wan Ling inquired about safety measures for these videos, to which Minister Josephine Teo replied that while classification laws do not cover social media, the Infocomm Media Development Authority can disable egregious content under the Broadcasting Act. Minister Josephine Teo also highlighted that the Code of Practice for Online Safety requires designated platforms to mitigate harmful content risks and protect children, complemented by public education initiatives like the Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media to ensure a safe digital environment.
Transcript
46 Ms Yeo Wan Ling asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information whether (a) film classification and censorship measures apply to short-form reel-style mini movies and series, such as those popular on social media platforms; and (b) if not, what measures will the Ministry take to ensure the suitability and safety of such short-form reel-style mini movies and series for a general audience.
Mrs Josephine Teo: Singapore's film classification framework does not apply to content on social media services, including short-form reel-style videos hosted on such platforms. However, the Government has implemented other measures to enhance online safety for Singapore users on such platforms.
Under the Broadcasting Act, the Infocomm Media Development Authority can direct social media services to disable access to egregious content. Such content includes those in videos advocating or instructing on sexual violence, suicide and terrorism.
Under the Code of Practice for Online Safety – Social Media Services, designated social media services are required to have in place systems and processes to mitigate the risk of Singapore users' exposure to harmful content. Such harmful content includes those in videos. Additionally, the Code requires platforms to ensure that children must not be targeted to receive content that is detrimental to their physical and mental well-being, and to put in place more restrictive account settings. The designated social media services covered under the Code are Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X and HardwareZone.
Beyond laws and regulations, the Government has put in place public education efforts to help Singaporeans navigate the digital space and safeguard against digital risks, including harmful content in short-form videos. For example, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information recently introduced the Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media. Singaporeans can use this resource as a guide to the healthy and positive use of technology and social media.