Challenges in Safeguarding Youths from Extremist Ideologies vis-a-vis Evolving Digital Landscape

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in light of recent restriction orders issued against youths influenced by a wide range of extremist ideologies (a) what challenges does ISD face in keeping pace with the evolving threat landscape and rapid change in technology and social media trends; and (b) how are our youths being safeguarded from such influences.

Since 2015, following the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the Internal Security Department (ISD) has dealt with 18 youths, aged 20 or below, under the Internal Security Act (ISA). Nine had intentions to mount attacks in Singapore. All were self-radicalised online.

The range of extremist ideologies and motivations that can radicalise an individual has become more diverse over the years. In recent times, ISD has issued ISA orders against four youths who were self-radicalised by far-right ideologies, and one who subscribed to a mix of extremist ideologies.

The Internet has been pivotal in facilitating radicalisation. It provides a ready and easily accessible source of extremist material and terrorist propaganda. Social media platforms, encrypted online platforms and gaming-based communities have also increasingly played a role in radicalisation and terrorist recruitment. These private spaces are digital echo chambers, where one's radical beliefs are reinforced through access to the copious amounts of extremist materials circulated in the spaces, and through interaction with other extremist or terrorist elements who are also in there. It can now take mere months, if not weeks, from the point where a youth encounters such online material, to the point of his or her radicalisation. The accelerated speed of radicalisation has meant shorter lead times for threat detection and intervention.

The Government takes a multi-pronged approach to address the threat of youth radicalisation.

Legislative levers have been strengthened through the introduction of the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act and the Online Criminal Harms Act to block or remove harmful materials, including content that advocates violence and terrorism.

Agencies, including ISD, leverage multiple touchpoints to sensitise youths and those who regularly interact with them, to the threat of radicalisation, and encourage early reporting of suspected radicalisation cases.

For example, ISD has partnered with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to conduct counter-terrorism and counter-radicalisation workshops for educators, school counsellors, student welfare officers, and students. ISD and MOE have also jointly produced an online guide for parents and guardians on protecting their children from radicalisation. Community partners such as the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) and the Interagency Aftercare Group (ACG) conduct regular outreach to youths through counter-ideology forums and school assembly talks, and visits to the RRG’s Resource and Counselling Centre.

In schools, students learn about the negative impact of extreme ideas and prejudice on societies in Social Studies and History lessons. In Character and Citizenship Education, students learn to develop empathy and respect for others, recognise risks in the digital space, and use the internet safely and responsibly. They also develop critical skills to help them discern the reliability of information and learn to maintain vigilance against harmful online content.

Beyond schools, the Government has put in place public education efforts to help Singaporeans navigate the digital space and safeguard against digital risks. As an example, the National Library Board's (NLB’s) S.U.R.E. (Source, Understand, Research, Evaluate) Programme, was launched in 2013 to strengthen Singaporeans’ resilience to misinformation and online falsehoods.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), as well as our community and religious organisations, such as Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), has also leveraged the popularity of online platforms amongst youths. For instance, MHA launched the SGSecure Instagram and TikTok accounts in 2024 to share key advisories on radicalisation using bite-sized videos and posts. In 2019, MUIS launched the Muslim.SG website, which educates youths about Islam’s inherent values, and promotes messages of peace, tolerance, and compassion. MUIS has also worked with the Asatizah Youth Network, a group of young religious teachers, to provide guidance against youth radicalisation both online and in person.