Online safety watchdog orders removal of TikTok post linking woman to Faishal case

In an Instagram post on July 27, Caudal said that her only contact with him were during two fitness events held at Kampung Ubi Community Centre.

The Instagram post was accompanied by a screenshot of a text message sent by an unknown person on Telegram, who used a photo of Caudal and claimed that she had caused Faishal to resign.

In a Facebook post on the same day, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad said that a woman had been wrongly identified as the person involved in Faishal’s case, and exposed to false accusations and abusive comments.

He added that no innocent person should have to endure such harassment because of unfounded speculation.

Zaqy took over as acting minister on July 20 after Faishal’s resignation from politics over inappropriate interactions with an unidentified woman.

“Many of us are still trying to come to terms with the hurt and disappointment of recent events. But even then, we should not cause the same pain to others,” said Zaqy.

Around 200 cases of online harm have been reported to the 40-strong OSC since it began work in June.

These include two children whose phone numbers and photos were posted online, and an individual whose intimate recording had been uploaded to a pornographic website without consent.

The OSC is currently focused on tackling five of the most prevalent and serious online harms: intimate image abuse, image-based child abuse, doxing, online harassment and online stalking.

Eight other types of online harms – such as online impersonation and deepfake abuse – will be dealt with at a later stage.

Victims can make reports directly on OSC’s website at www.osc.gov.sg, and provide their identity information, a description of what happened and who was involved (including usernames or account details), and supporting documents like screenshots.

Reports can also be made on a victim’s behalf. Parents and guardians must show proof of relationship, while other representatives need a signed authorisation form and the victim’s identification document.

OSC will assess if online harm has occurred. It can issue directions to the perpetrator, the administrator of an online group or page, or the platform. These directions can be to remove the content or restrict the perpetrator’s account.

Platforms, including Facebook, HardwareZone Forums, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube, can also be directed to disable access to identical copies of the offending material.

Victims will be kept updated on the progress of their cases and any directions issued. The police and selected social service agencies have also been briefed to refer victims to OSC if appropriate.