Purpose and provisions of the bill
The newly enacted law aims to address the challenges faced by individuals who are victims of online harm, such as cyberbullying, doxxing, intimate image abuse, and other forms of malicious online behaviour. One of the central features of the Bill is the establishment of the Online Safety Commission (OSC), a dedicated government agency set to begin operations by June 2026. The OSC will play a key role in providing victims with timely redress, directing online platforms, internet service providers, and app stores to take action, including removing harmful content and restricting perpetrator accounts.
Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, emphasized the need for a more effective response to online harm, noting that platforms typically take five or more days to act on valid reports. This delay can be deeply distressing for victims, who often feel powerless in the face of anonymous perpetrators. The Bill seeks to address this issue by enabling faster, more direct intervention from the government.
Key features of the OSC
The Online Safety Commission will initially focus on addressing a range of online harms, including online harassment, doxxing, stalking, and image-based abuse. Over time, the OSC will expand its scope to address additional issues such as deepfake abuse, impersonation, the spread of false information, and online incitement to violence. This proactive approach is designed to ensure that victims receive swift assistance in removing harmful content or taking action against those responsible.
The Bill also outlines a clear process for victims to seek relief. If an online platform does not respond to a report of harmful content within 24 hours, the victim can escalate the issue to the OSC, which will assess the situation and issue directions for action. In cases of severe harm, such as intimate image abuse or doxxing, the OSC will provide immediate support.
Privacy and oversight
Throughout the parliamentary debate, concerns were raised about the balance between protecting victims and safeguarding individuals’ privacy. While the Bill grants the OSC significant powers to direct the removal of harmful content and restrict online accounts, it also establishes safeguards to prevent misuse. The agency’s decisions can be appealed to an independent panel, and victims can seek judicial review if they are dissatisfied with the outcome.
The OSC will operate in alignment with Singapore’s broader legal framework, including existing laws such as the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act and the Protection from Harassment Act. The government has committed to a “no wrong door” policy, ensuring that victims can report online harm to the appropriate agency without unnecessary complexity.
Implications for digital platforms and businesses
For businesses operating online platforms in Singapore, the new law introduces important regulatory obligations. Companies will be required to respond quickly to reports of online harm and take responsibility for the safety of their users. The law also underscores the need for businesses to ensure that their platforms are not misused for harmful purposes, reinforcing the importance of compliance with both local and international digital safety standards.
With the introduction of this legislation, companies will need to adapt their operations to align with new regulatory requirements for online safety. For businesses based in Singapore and across the Asia-Pacific region, understanding and complying with the Online Safety Bill will be essential for mitigating risks and ensuring continued operational success.
Conclusion
The passage of the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill represents a proactive and structured approach to addressing the evolving challenges of online harm. By empowering the Online Safety Commission to act swiftly on behalf of victims, the Singaporean government is setting a new standard for digital safety. As the Bill comes into effect in the coming years, it will provide a clearer path for victims to seek redress and ensure that online platforms are held accountable for their role in maintaining a safe digital environment.
