Authors
Authors
Eng Han Goh (Resource Law LLC)
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.
New agency and legislation
The new agency will be introduced by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Law. Victims of cyberbullying, misinformation and the sharing of explicit images without consent will be able to apply to the agency to seek redress. The agency will then act on their behalf to order perpetrators and online service providers, such as social media platforms, to stop the online harm.
In tandem with the new agency, MDDI also intends to introduce new legislation to allow victims of online harms to seek civil remedies from perpetrators. This will provide victims with another avenue to obtain compensation and deterrence for the harm they have suffered.
Conclusion
Users of tech platforms will benefit from safer digital spaces and more effective options to seek redress and stop online harms. Tech platforms will have to implement stricter content moderation policies, and consider investing in advanced monitoring tools, including AI systems, to detect and remove harmful content in real time. Tech platforms will also have to develop clear policies for reporting and tracking harmful activity, ensuring users can easily flag inappropriate behaviour.
Reed Smith LLP is licensed to operate as a foreign law practice in Singapore under the name and style Reed Smith Pte Ltd (hereafter collectively, "Reed Smith"). Where advice on Singapore law is required, we will refer the matter to and work with Reed Smith's Formal Law Alliance partner in Singapore, Resource Law LLC, where necessary.
Client Alert 2024-225
Authors
Authors
Eng Han Goh (Resource Law LLC)