Singapore’s IMDA has blocked an online network that shared Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM), ordering local ISPs to restrict access to the website and asking Meta to review and remove a related Facebook page and group.

This is the first time the IMDA has notified a social media service of such content since the country’s enhanced online safety regulations came into effect. Meta removed the page/group within 24 hours, the IMDA said. 

The order was issued after the Singapore Police Force alerted the IMDA to the Facebook page that was part of an online network facilitating the sharing of CSEM. 

The amended broadcasting law authorises the IMDA 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 said in a statement following the action.

Tackling the threat of harmful online content is a global issue which requires a whole-of-society effort.