Victims of online harassment, doxxing can get help from new government body from Jun 29

The OSC also operates a “no-wrong-door policy” – regardless of which government agency victims first approach, they will be guided to the appropriate help.

After receiving a report, the OSC will assess it. If there is reason to suspect that online harm has occurred, the commissioner may issue directions to stop or limit the harm.

“These directions may be issued to the person who posted the harmful content, the administrator of the online group or page where the harmful content appears or the platform hosting content,” OSC and the ministries said.

For example, the commissioner may direct that access to the harmful content be disabled or that the perpetrator’s account be restricted. Non-compliance with a direction is a criminal offence.

Six online service providers will have additional obligations under the new Act, given their significant reach or impact in Singapore. They are: Meta Platforms, for Facebook and Instagram; Google, for YouTube; X Corp, for X; TikTok; and SPH Media, for HardwareZone forums.

Beyond content removal, the OSC encouraged victims and their families to seek support from its community partners: Fei Yue Community Services, Samaritans of Singapore, SHE-SG Her Empowerment, Singapore Children’s Society and TOUCH Community Services.

“These community partners can guide victims on how to make a report to the OSC and provide other forms of assistance such as counselling,” it said.