Singapore’s online harms agency to start on June 29; veteran civil servant to be commissioner

Victims can also apply to court for civil damages if individuals, group or page administrators and platforms conduct or do not take reasonable measures to respond to reported online harms.

The law was introduced amid growing concerns over the speed and scale at which harmful online content – including harassment and intimate image abuse – can spread online.

Victims had also given feedback that they wanted quick takedowns of online harms and the ability to take action against anonymous perpetrators.

Singapore is one of the few countries in the world with an agency dedicated to helping victims of online harms, and it learnt from the world’s first dedicated online safety regulator, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, set up in 2015.

The OSC will deal with 13 types of online harms, with it initially focusing on online harassment, doxxing, online stalking, intimate image abuse and image-based child abuse when it is first open.

It will progressively deal with online impersonation, inauthentic material or deepfake abuse, online instigation of disproportionate harm, incitement of violence and enmity, non-consensual disclosure of private information, as well as the publication of false material or reputationally harmful statements.

Victims of non-consensual distribution of intimate photos, child abuse material and doxxing will be able to get immediate help from the agency to take down content, while victims of other harms need to file a report to the online platform first. If no response is received after 24 hours, they can contact the OSC.

The OSC will also be empowered to obtain identity information of a perpetrator from online platforms, similar to how law enforcement agencies are empowered to obtain such information for investigations.

These include the user’s name, verified phone numbers or credit card information that can be used to make further inquiries with telcos or banks.

Victims may then use the information to either seek legal remedies.

“Together, these measures strengthen Singapore’s response to online harms by giving victims a dedicated avenue to seek timely relief, and by putting clear responsibilities on those who post harmful content, run online spaces and operate platforms,” said MDDI and the Ministry of Law.

Chairwoman of non-profit organisation SG Her Empowerment (SHE) Stefanie Yuen Thio said that while she is glad the OSC will be rolled out soon, legislation is only as good as its implementation.

“The real test is whether a survivor who knocks on that door feels genuinely heard – and walks away with real relief, not just a reference number. That will take more than statutory powers. It will take coordination, empathy, and a commitment to putting survivors first,” she said.

She noted that the commissioner will set the tone for how online harms will be dealt with in Singapore.

“(Mr Ng) is deeply committed to ensuring digital safety and mental well-being, especially for vulnerable groups. I know he will be principled and fair in his leadership,” said Ms Yuen Thio.

She also added that the SHE team has met the OSC to share its experience in working with online harm survivors, and the OSC team has been open and receptive.

Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan, who was on a steering committee that helped shape the new legislation, said the OSC will be a crucial institution for online responsibility and accountability.

“Singaporeans spend a lot of time online, and combating online harms is an important prong in growing the online world. The OSC can be expected to help nurture the norms and values that will help align the standards of conduct in the real and virtual worlds,” said Professor Tan.