Update on Online Safety Commission to Better Protect Children from Harmful Content

Mr Jackson Lam asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information in view of the Ministry's survey which found that only 37% of parents felt confident guiding their children's digital habits (a) whether an update can be provided on the details of the proposed stronger legislation and regulations to safeguard children against online harm; and (b) how the proposed Online Safety Commission will better protect children from harmful content.

Under the Codes of Practice for Online Safety, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) requires designated app stores to implement age assurance measures by 31 March 2026 to reduce the likelihood of young users under 18 years old accessing and downloading age-inappropriate apps. Designated social media services are already required to apply more stringent content moderation measures for children and provide tools for parents and guardians to manage their children's interactions. Later this year, we will also begin to engage these designated social media services on similar age assurance requirements. This will further enhance online safety for children.

MDDI and the Ministry of Law will also be tabling the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill to establish the new Online Safety Commission by the first half of 2026. The Commission is a dedicated agency that will support victims of specified online harms, for example, cyberbullying, including children, to seek timely relief from perpetrators and platforms. For example, the Commission can issue directions to put a stop to the online harm or mitigate and prevent further harm for these victims.

While regulations provide important safeguards, we recognise that parents want more help for their children to develop healthy digital habits and to stay safe online. This is why MDDI and the Infocomm Media Development Authority have been working with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social and Family Development, as well as community organisations and industry, to better support parents with information resources and actionable tips. We will also enhance community-based outreach through collaborations with community partners.