S'pore's online harms agency to start on Jun. 29, can take down content including doxxing, image-based child abuse: MDDI & MinLaw

Singapore's response to online harms will be strengthened by the commencement of the Online Safety Commission (OSC) and specified provisions under the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act 2025 (OSRAA) from Jun. 29, 2026.

In a joint press release, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) said that these measures will "give victims a dedicated avenue to seek timely relief" and put "clear responsibilities on those who post harmful content, run online spaces, and operate platforms".

The role of Commissioner-Designate of Online Safety will be held by veteran civil servant, Francis Ng, from Jun. 1 to 28, 2026, ahead of OSC's commencement of operations.

Following this, Ng, who has over 25 years of expertise in public sector legal roles, will assume the role of Commissioner on Jun. 29, 2026.

Ng is currently the Official Assignee and Public Trustee, Official Receiver, Licensing Officer, Registrar of Moneylenders, Registrar of Pawnbrokers and Chief Maintenance Enforcement Officer under MinLaw.

He previously held key positions such as Director (Legal Policy) in MinLaw and Deputy Chief Prosecutor in the Crime Division of the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Addresses 13 categories of online harm

The OSC supports the office of the Commissioner of Online Safety, a key feature of OSRAA, passed in Parliament on Nov. 5, 2025.

OSRAA addresses 13 categories of online harms; five of the most prevalent and severe harms will be prioritised in the first phase of operationalisation.

The five categories to which statutory torts are applicable are as follows: intimate image abuse, image-based child abuse, doxxing, online harassment (including online sexual harassment), and online stalking.

Progressive implementation for remaining categories

The four remaining categories that will be progressively implemented and to which statutory torts apply are: online impersonation, inauthentic material abuse, online instigation of disproportionate harm, and incitement to violence.

The other four to which statutory torts are not applicable are: incitement of enmity, publication of false material, publication of a statement harmful to reputation and non-consensual disclosure of private information.

MDDI and MinLaw said the specified statutory tort provisions under OSRAA will provide a clear legal basis to hold those responsible accountable and for victims to seek remedies from the court.

"Victims can apply to court for remedies, including damages for losses suffered and injunctions to stop the harm."

Direct action including taking down or restricting perpetrator's online account

MDDI and MinLaw said: "Where online harm has occurred, the Commissioner can direct action to stop the harm."

"This includes requiring that harmful content be taken down or restricting the perpetrator's online account."

Directions may be issued to communicators, administrators and platforms.

The ministries said the framework also provides tools to help victims when perpetrators hide behind anonymous accounts.

The press release added that, where appropriate, the commissioner can require the platforms to provide identity information of end-users who committed the online harms, such as their name or contact details.

"A victim may apply to the Commissioner for disclosure of information, if available, but only for specified purposes such as bringing a claim in court against the communicator who posted the harmful content."

Albeit with conditions to ensure that the victim does not misuse any identity information disclosed.

The OSC will also use public education to promote a safer online environment.

Communicators, administrators and platforms

MDDI and MinLaw said the statutory torts clarify the duties of communicators, administrators and platforms.

Communicators who post content must not communicate, publish or engage in any conduct relating to any specified online harm in Singapore.

Administrators who run the groups or pages must not create, set up or administer an online location in a manner that facilitates or permits the conduct of any online harm, intending or knowing that harm would occur.

The administrator must also take reasonable measures to address specified online harms at their online location upon receiving notice of such harm.

Platforms must also take reasonable measures to address specified online harms, and certain platforms with greater reach will be subject to additional requirements, for example, the time taken to respond.

The statutory tort provisions will be implemented in phases, and victims of harm may hold communicators, administrators or platforms to account for their statutory duties under the OSRAA.