Key takeaways
- A new Singapore government agency will help victims of online harms, such as cyberbullying and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
- The agency will be supported by new legislation to enable victims to seek civil remedies from perpetrators.
- This endeavour is part of the Smart Nation 2.0 initiative, which aims to improve the lives of Singapore residents through technology and address the emerging challenges posed by harmful online content.
Introduction
Online harms, such as cyberbullying and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, can have serious and lasting impacts on the victims’ mental health, reputation and well-being. Currently, victims in Singapore can apply to court for a protection order, or make a police report, but these processes can be time-consuming and costly. Alternatively, they can turn to online service providers, such as social media platforms, for help, but they may face difficulties in accessing or receiving effective assistance.
In response to growing concerns about cyberbullying and harmful online content, Singapore has established a new agency to address these issues, particularly targeting cyberbullying, misinformation and the sharing of explicit images without consent. This development represents a significant move towards creating safer digital environments, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and teens.