Singapore may block under-18s from unsafe social media platforms
What's next: Singapore is weighing age-tiered access and design rules, including curbs on autoplay and contact with strangers.
Singapore is prepared to block social media platforms for users under 18 if those services fail to meet child-safety standards, Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo said Friday. The government is pushing a tiered approach in which platforms with adequate safeguards could keep serving younger users, while others could be restricted. Teo said officials prefer to work with companies rather than cut off access outright, but argued safety must cover more than harmful content. She pointed to recommendation algorithms, features that encourage constant use, and tools that let children interact with strangers. The discussion comes as Singapore already enforces online safety codes, age-assurance requirements for apps and annual reporting duties for social media platforms.