Singapore government strengthening measures to protect youths online and offline

Singapore is considering expanding its online safety measures to gaming platforms and AI-powered chat bots. MPs have called for more efforts to protect youths online. They raised concerns that current online safeguards are applicable only on designated social media platforms and app distribution services. They asked if messaging and gaming services such as Roblox and Minecraft will also be designated, as these are platforms where grooming and unsolicited contact risks arise. Questions were also raised over an alleged child abuse case at a private education facility that provides accommodation. Senior Minister of State for Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming says this facility does not fall under existing regulations. He says the government is considering a framework to expand criminal record screening to more types of jobs relating to young people. But Mr Goh adds that it is not practical for the government to regulate every sector.