Survey Finds 2 in 3 Singaporeans Exposed to Harmful Online Content

SINGAPORE – A recent study by the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) has revealed that two-thirds of Singaporeans have encountered harmful content online. Conducted in May and involving over 2,000 local internet users aged 15 and above, including 500 parents with children under 18, the survey highlighted significant exposure to cyberbullying, adult material, content promoting illegal activities, and content that could disrupt racial or religious harmony.

Of particular concern is the fact that nearly half of the parents surveyed reported that their children had been exposed to harmful online content, demonstrating the widespread nature of the issue across all age groups.

The survey also uncovered challenges in addressing these concerns. Over three-quarters of respondents who reported harmful content encountered difficulties, often finding that platforms were slow to remove offending posts or suspend accounts responsible for such content. Many reported delays before meaningful action was taken by the platforms, underscoring the need for more responsive online safeguards.