Both X and TikTok have been issued with letters of caution that require them to provide regular updates on the roll-out of rectification measures. (PHOTO: Getty Images)
(Robert Way via Getty Images)
Social media platforms X and TikTok have been warned by Singapore authorities for failing to adequately detect and remove harmful content. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said on 31 March that cases of child sexual exploitation and abuse material originating from, targeting or featuring Singapore users on X more than doubled, rising from 33 in 2024 to 73 in 2025.
On TikTok, 17 cases of terrorism-related content were shared by Singapore-based accounts in 2025. IMDA noted that some of these posts were not flagged as violations even after being reported through the platform.
“When some of these were reported to TikTok via its in-app user reporting mechanism, TikTok found that the content did not violate its community guidelines,” said IMDA. “This demonstrated that TikTok did not accurately assess the terrorism content when it was user-reported.”
The findings come from IMDA’s Online Safety Assessment Report 2025, which reviewed how six major platforms manage harmful content. The assessment drew on data from authorities, public feedback and the platforms’ own reports, and included tests of their reporting systems.
Following the findings, IMDA issued letters of caution to both X and TikTok and placed them under enhanced supervision. They will be required to provide regular updates on corrective measures and demonstrate improvements in their next reports due by 30 June.
IMDA warned that further action could be taken if the platforms fail to improve, including fines of up to $1 million or blocking access to the services under the Broadcasting Act.
Under Singapore’s Code of Practice for Online Safety introduced in 2023, major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube and HardwareZone must minimise users’ exposure to harmful content such as sexual, violent or extremist material.
For more on IMDA’s sanctions on social media platforms, read here.
