Singapore Grants New Powers to Block Harmful Online Content

Singapore has passed a new law that allows regulators to block harmful online content. The move gives the country’s new Online Safety Commission authority to act against posts that threaten users’ safety.

Under the law, the commission can order platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to take down content linked to harassment, child exploitation, doxxing, or intimate image abuse. It can also restrict entire pages or websites that repeatedly post such material.

The government said the change aims to protect users—especially minors—from the growing risks of online harm. Victims will also gain a “right to reply,” allowing them to correct false or damaging claims made online.

Digital Minister Josephine Teo said many victims had struggled to remove harmful posts quickly. She called the new system “a strong step to create a safer digital space for all Singaporeans.”

The commission is expected to begin work by mid-2026. It will cooperate with internet service providers to identify and block harmful content more efficiently.

Supporters say the measure fills gaps in existing online safety laws and helps build public trust in digital platforms. But some critics warn that it could increase government control over speech and lead to unintended censorship if not properly managed.

Singapore’s decision follows a rise in global efforts to regulate online platforms. Similar rules are being considered in Australia, the EU, and the UK to make social media companies more accountable for user safety.