Sun Xueling on levers against radicalisation and extremist ideology

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards radicalisation and any form of extremist ideology, said Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling. Replying to an MP's question in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 14), she said the Internal Security Act has been an effective tool for Singapore to preemptively tackle such threats. In the online space, the Government has in place levers under the Broadcasting Act to disable access by Singapore users to websites which contain material that is objectionable on the grounds of public security. In addition, the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, which took effect on Feb 1, further strengthens regulations under the Broadcasting Act to disable access to egregious content on social media services, including content instructing or advocating terrorism and violence. MHA is also developing a framework to tackle online criminal activity, including terrorism and content inciting violence in the community. Ms Sun said this framework will complement the provisions under the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act. The Government will provide more information at an appropriate juncture, she said.