Over 80% of residents exposed to harmful online content, survey finds

SINGAPORE: More than 80% of local residents have come across harmful online content in the past year, a new survey by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information has found.

The survey identified the most common types of harmful content as material supporting illegal activities, sexually explicit or violent content, cyberbullying, and posts that inflamed racial or religious tensions. Of these, content promoting illegal activities, such as scams or the sale of contraband, was the most widespread and accounted for roughly one-third of all incidents reported.

Social media and messaging platforms were the main channels through which residents encountered harmful content. Facebook led the list, with nearly 60% of respondents saying they had come across harmful material there, followed by YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram.

The survey also found that around one in three people had personally experienced harmful online behaviour such as scams carried out through fake identities, sexually suggestive messages, and other forms of online harassment.

Despite the high levels of exposure, most respondents said they did not report harmful content or the people behind it.

About 80% said they simply skipped or exited the content, while a quarter did nothing at all. Nearly 80% of those who faced harmful behaviour said they blocked the users responsible, but fewer than half formally reported the incidents to the platforms. The ministry suggested that past delays in addressing reports may be a reason for this inaction.

The findings came from two surveys conducted between late last year and the first half of this year, which included around 2,000 residents aged 15 and above. Respondents were asked about their experiences online as well as their views on digitalisation and Smart Nation policies.

In response to the survey, the ministry said it was introducing new measures to tackle harmful online content. A code of conduct will require social media platforms and app stores to restrict harmful material, and a new cybersecurity committee is set to be established next year to assist victims and hold offenders accountable.

Authorities also plan to boost public education, helping individuals recognise online risks and adopt safer digital habits. The ministry said it would make online security resources more accessible and practical to better support the public.