Meta has taken down a Facebook page and group containing child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) after being notified by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
The Facebook page and group were removed within 24 hours by Meta.
IMDA was alerted by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) to a Facebook Page that was part of an online network facilitating the sharing of CSEM.
IMDA subsequently uncovered a Facebook Group carrying similar posts.
These Facebook posts contained hyperlinks that led viewers to a website with CSEM.
This is the first time IMDA notified social media services of such content since the Broadcasting Act was amended to include enhanced online safety requirements.
The amendments to the act allow IMDA to issue orders to social media service providers to remove content that advocates, among others, suicide and self-harm, sexual exploitation, and cyberbullying, as well as material that may endanger public health and encourage vice and organised crime.
IMDA has also directed Internet Service Providers in Singapore to block a website linked to the Facebook page and group, which enabled access and distribution of more CSEM content.
In a statement, IMDA said that it and SPF take a “serious view on the solicitation and distribution of CSEM, which is a type of egregious content as defined under the amended Broadcasting Act”.
“Under the amended law, IMDA is authorised to direct social media services to block or remove egregious content, and will not hesitate to issue directions to social media services if they do not swiftly detect and remove egregious content on their platforms,” IMDA added.
It added that social media services are responsible for ensuring online safety for all users, particularly children.
“We recognise that the industry has taken active steps in recent years to combat harmful online content on social media and urge social media services to remain vigilant in detecting and preventing the dissemination of harmful online content through their platforms and services. These contributions are critical in shaping a safer online space for users in Singapore,” the IMDA statement added.
