Singapore Tires Of Big Tech's Slow And Half-hearted Help For Abused Users

Singapore is working on legislation and a dedicated agency that would hold online service providers more accountable for cyber bullying, according to prime minister Lawrence Wong.

Speaking at an event on Tuesday, the nation's leader laid out several initiatives to build on the last decade's digital efforts. "All victims of online harms would want the damaging content to be removed quickly and permanently. Currently, victims can apply to court for a protection order, or make a police report. But legal and criminal proceedings can take time," explained Wong.

"Another way is to turn to online service providers for help. But not many would know how to do so. We have also heard feedback that even if they do, the companies may take some time to respond, and sometimes do not even act on the reports," he added.

Wong vowed Singapore would support victims of online harm with more timely and effective relief. He cited Australia's eSafety Commissioner as one example the city-state had been studying, as the down under cyber patrol "has the legal powers to order the removal of certain types of online harms."

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Although the PM conceded that the government was still working out the details and would share more at a later date, local media reported the agency would likely be up and running in 2025.

At that time, victims would be able to apply online for help from the agency, which would step in and interact with the online service provider on their behalf.

A budget for building the agency was not disclosed, but would likely need to be large – it seems there would be significant demand for the service. A survey from Singapore's Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) concluded that 80 percent of respondents who experienced issues reporting harmful online content to social media services experienced issues with the reporting process.

Aside from tackling his constituency's perception of customer service ineptitude from Big Tech, Wong also outlined other projects that would help Singapore achieve its Smart Nation 2.0 goals. These included a Digital Infrastructure Act next year to mitigate threats on cloud services, datacenters and other assets from not only cyber attacks, but physical hazards like fire and system failures as well.

An AI for Science program is also in the cards, expected to encourage interdisciplinary collaborations and research. And the nation plans to start its youth early on building AI skills in preparation for the future workforce.

"Today, our children are born digital natives. But we must still give them more deliberate exposure to AI," asserted Wong. ®