S’pore studying restrictions on direct messaging, auto-play on social media to protect kids

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the endless, automatic video playback used by sites such as Instagram and YouTube encourages addictive behaviour and excessive screen time. Direct messaging features embedded in some social media platforms, such as Instagram, also expose children and teens to sexual grooming, bullying or inappropriate content from unauthorised accounts.

In the physical world, we warn our children not to speak to strangers. But if strangers can reach children online, what is the parent to do?

Earlier in March, a US jury found Meta and YouTube liable for building their services in an addictive manner that caused harm to a 20-year-old plaintiff, who was awarded US$6 million (S$7.7 million) in damages. She began using Instagram at nine and YouTube at six. Her lawyer claimed that features such as auto-play and infinite scroll are designed to keep people on the apps and make services addictive.

Qn: ‘It is harder than ever to keep children safe in today’s world.’ Comment.