New government agency to provide quicker recourse for online harm victims and enforce accountability on perpetrators.
On November 22, 2024, the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) unveiled new proposals aimed at offering victims of online harms such as cyberbullying and sexual harassment a broad range of measures for seeking redress. The initiative focuses on establishing a new government agency that will streamline the complaints process and allow for quicker, more effective relief for those suffering from harmful online content.
The new agency will be empowered to take immediate action against perpetrators, issuing directions to those posting harmful content, including individuals, online platforms like TikTok and X, as well as administrators of social media groups or channels such as Facebook groups and Telegram. These directions could include disabling access to harmful content or, in cases involving false statements damaging a victim’s reputation, granting them the right of reply.
The creation of this agency follows an announcement by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in October 2024, confirming the government’s commitment to providing victims with faster and more efficient relief. This new mechanism will complement existing laws, such as the Online Criminal Harms Act, the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, and the Protection from Harassment Act, enhancing the ability to tackle various forms of online harms and reinforcing accountability in the digital space.
Key measures under consideration include introducing statutory torts, which would give victims of online harms the option to pursue civil redress in court. This would offer legal certainty and clarity to victims seeking to hold online offenders accountable. The new agency will also be able to request user information from perpetrators of online harms, increasing transparency and accountability, with a focus on protecting the privacy and safety of victims.
Recent statistics from a survey by MDDI found that 74% of respondents had encountered harmful content online, ranging from cyberbullying to sexually explicit materials. This survey highlights the increasing prevalence of online harms and the need for effective solutions to combat them.
The agency will also focus on addressing the growing issue of online anonymity, which, while enabling vulnerable individuals to voice concerns without fear of reprisal, has also been exploited by perpetrators to target victims without consequences. The proposed measures aim to strike a balance between safeguarding privacy and ensuring accountability for harmful online behavior.
In more serious cases, the agency could issue directives to deactivate the accounts of repeat offenders or shut down groups or platforms used to perpetuate online harms. The agency’s role will extend to facilitating the pursuit of damages for victims of severe online offenses, such as child abuse material or hate speech inciting violence.
Experts, including Dr. Carol Soon from the Institute of Policy Studies, have welcomed the creation of the agency, describing it as a vital step toward providing a centralized point of assistance for victims navigating the complex landscape of legal and platform-based remedies. While there are concerns about the potential for false reports, experts agree that a thorough and accountable process will be crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of this initiative.
Legislation supporting these measures is expected to be tabled in Parliament in 2025, further enhancing Singapore’s legal and regulatory framework to protect citizens from the growing threat of online harms.
