In brief
Individuals impacted by online harms, such as cyberbullying, sexual harassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, will soon be able to seek quicker recourse than the traditional court-based system.
On 1 October 2024, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the establishment of a new government agency dedicated to assisting victims of online harms. It will serve as a one-stop shop for victims, representing them in dealings with perpetrators and online service providers, including social media platforms. Additionally, it will facilitate the swifter removal of harmful content.
To achieve this, the agency will be empowered by a new law, which is expected to be introduced in 2025.
The establishment of this new agency is part of a broader initiative by the Singapore government to address harmful online content, including through laws such as the Online Criminal Harms Act, the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, and the Protection from Harassment Act, as well as the recently passed Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) (Amendment) Bill.
In more detail
The new agency will act as a one-stop center for victims of online harms. It will have the authority to order perpetrators and online service providers to immediately remove harmful content.
This move is part of a broader effort to provide more timely and effective relief for victims, who often face delays and challenges when seeking redress through traditional legal channels. Currently, victims can apply to court for a protection order or file a police report. However, obtaining relief through such avenues takes time.
By bypassing the traditional system, the agency can address complaints more efficiently, reducing the emotional and psychological toll on victims. This approach ensures that harmful content is removed quickly, minimizing the potential damage to victims.
Businesses and online service providers must ensure compliance with the new regulations to avoid legal repercussions. This includes implementing robust content moderation practices and staying informed about the latest legal developments in this area.
Key takeaways
Singapore's latest initiative to address online harms is part of a broader global trend. Australia, for example, has an eSafety Commissioner that has legal powers to order the removal of certain types of online harms. Other countries, including the United States and European Union member states, have also introduced measures to combat online harms and promote digital literacy.
While there may be challenges with balancing these regulations with freedom of expression, by providing swift and effective relief for victims, the agency aims to create a safer online environment for Singapore users. These measures are necessary for protecting Singapore users in the digital age and will certainly provide victims of online harms with stronger assurance than what the present systems offer.
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For further information and to discuss what this development might mean for you, please get in touch with your usual Baker McKenzie contact.
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