Efforts to Monitor Extremist Ideology on Social Media Platforms and Internet Forums

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Home Affairs what is being done to monitor extremist ideology on social media platforms and Internet forums.

The security agencies do monitor extremist ideology and content on the Internet, including social media.

We have blocked some sites. It is not possible to block all of them, given the vastness of the Internet and as new sites are always popping up. Determined individuals will also find ways to circumvent our blocking.

That is why we adopt a multi-pronged approach to counter radicalisation and do not just rely on Internet-facing measures. We have invested significant resources in upstream efforts to educate and sensitise our communities to the threat of extremist ideologies and online radicalisation. We have done this through the SGSecure movement, as well as outreach to schools by community organisations, such as the Religious Rehabilitation Group and the Inter-Agency Aftercare Group. We also work with foreign partners to share radicalisation-related intelligence.

The public has a part to play, by not disseminating extremist content. Industry involvement is also critical. Some technology companies have stepped up efforts to take down or stop the spread of extremist content on their platforms. We applaud their efforts, which will go a good way towards making the digital space safer for everyone.