Victims of online harassment, doxxing can get help from new government body from Jun 29

On June 29, 2026, Singapore launched the Online Safety Commission (OSC), a new government body aimed at providing support and remedies to individuals affected by online harms. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s ongoing efforts to create a safer digital environment for its citizens. The OSC is established under the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act 2025, which came into effect earlier this year. The commission will initially focus on addressing five major forms of online harm: online harassment (including sexual harassment), doxxing, online stalking, intimate image abuse, and image-based child abuse. Over time, its scope will expand to cover all 13 categories of online harms recognized under the law, including online impersonation, inauthentic material abuse, and reputational damage.

The launch of the OSC comes amid growing concerns over the increasing prevalence of online harms, especially as internet usage continues to rise globally. According to officials, many victims of online harassment often face prolonged delays when seeking redress from online platforms, which can take several days to respond. To address this, the OSC has been granted the legal authority to compel platforms and group administrators to remove harmful content swiftly. This move aims to streamline the reporting process and ensure that victims receive timely assistance.

The Online Safety Commission is led by Mr. Francis Ng, the designated commissioner. In his remarks, Ng emphasized the importance of placing victims' interests at the center of the commission’s operations. He highlighted the urgency of addressing issues such as image abuse, image-based child abuse, and doxxing, which can cause severe emotional distress and even physical harm. The OSC plans to collaborate closely with online platforms and media sites to ensure that harmful content is removed promptly and efficiently.

To file a report with the OSC, victims must be either Singapore citizens, permanent residents, or have a specified connection to the country. Reports can be submitted via the commission’s official website, which offers guidance throughout the process. Individuals are required to provide detailed information about the incident, including descriptions, URLs, screenshots, images, and videos. Additionally, victims must supply the username or account details of the perpetrator, if known. For minors, parents or guardians are encouraged to file reports on their behalf, while others with written authorization from the victim can also submit reports.

In cases of online harassment or stalking, victims are first required to report the content to the relevant platform. If the platform does not respond adequately within 24 hours, the victim may escalate the matter to the OSC. The commission operates under a "no-wrong-door" policy, meaning that victims can approach any government agency for assistance, and they will be directed to the appropriate resources. Once a report is received, the OSC will evaluate the case and, if necessary, issue directives to the perpetrator, the administrator of the online group or page, or the hosting platform. These directives may involve removing harmful content or restricting the perpetrator’s account. Failure to comply with such directives could result in criminal charges.

The OSC has identified six major online service providers—Meta Platforms (Facebook and Instagram), HardwareZone Forums, TikTok, X, YouTube, and others—as having additional responsibilities under the new legislation due to their extensive reach and influence in Singapore. These companies are expected to cooperate fully with the commission to ensure that harmful content is addressed effectively. The OSC will keep victims informed about the status of their cases and any actions taken. Furthermore, the police and select social service agencies have been notified to refer victims to the appropriate support services.

The establishment of the Online Safety Commission reflects Singapore’s commitment to fostering a safe and responsible digital ecosystem. With the launch of this new agency, the government hopes to encourage positive online behavior and ensure that all citizens can engage confidently in the digital world. As the OSC begins its operations, it remains focused on delivering swift and effective solutions to those affected by online harms, reinforcing the notion that no one should suffer in silence.