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The Government is reviewing whether safeguards on online video games are needed, said Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam on Monday (Mar 2).<\/p>\n
At the Committee of Supply debates in Parliament, Rahayu acknowledged that “many” parents are worried about their child’s digital activities.<\/p>\n
“Children are amongst the most active digital users, and many parents are stretched thin as they juggle monitoring their children’s digital usage with other commitments,” she said.<\/p>\n
Some concerns cited by parents regarding online video games are the exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and screen addiction.<\/p>\n
“We recognise these concerns and are studying whether safeguards on online video games are needed,” said Rahayu.<\/p>\n
She shared that the Government is also mindful of other online services that may pose a threat to online safety, including AI.<\/p>\n
\n\n @asiaone<\/a> Speaking at her ministry’s Committee Of Supply debates in Parliament on Monday (Mar 2), Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam said that Singapore will take a holistic approach in strengthening protection for children online, and will monitor whether safeguards on online video games and other online services are needed. #sgnews<\/a> #Singapore<\/a> #Parliament<\/a> #SocialMedia<\/a> #apps<\/a> #Games<\/a> #OnlineSafety<\/a> \u266c original sound – AsiaOne<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Earlier during the debate, Workers’ Party MP He Ting Ru had raised the issue of AI chatbot Grok generating non-consensual intimate images, as well as a previous incident where Singapore students allegedly generated deepfake nude photos of their schoolmates.<\/p>\n
MOS Rahayu said in her speech that chatbots that are embedded in social media services present “unique risks” as they are easily accessible to users, including children.<\/p>\n
On the inappropriate use of X’s Grok chatbot, she said the Infocomm Media Development Authority is engaging X on the issue and will continue to monitor and work with X to enhance online safety for Singapore users.<\/p>\n
“We will also continue to study whether safeguards for AI chatbots are needed to better protect users from the harms caused by their misuse,” she continued.<\/p>\n
From March 31, app stores will have to implement age assurance measures to prevent users aged below 18 from accessing and downloading age-inappropriate apps.<\/p>\n
Apple’s app store has started blocking underage Singapore users from downloading apps rated 18+ should they not be verified as adults, according to an Apple blog post on Feb 24.<\/p>\n
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The Government is continuing to study the impact of social media bans, and plans to extend age assurance requirements to designated social media services, Rahayu added.<\/p>\n
Consultations with the identified social media services are ongoing, and further details will be announced later in 2026.<\/p>\n
She emphasised that parents play an important role in instilling healthy digital habits in their children.<\/p>\n
Parents can access tips on how to guide their children’s digital interactions on IMDA’s Digital for Life portal, and attend digital parenting workshops and webinars.<\/p>\n
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For more on Budget 2026, visit our\u00a0<\/em>microsite<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
lim.kewei@asiaone.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n