The Singapore Government is set to collaborate with major online platforms to expedite responses to harmful online content, Law Minister Edwin Tong announced on September 23. This move aims to provide quicker relief to victims under the existing Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act (OSRAA), which currently mandates response times ranging from six to 48 hours depending on the severity of the online harm.
Presently, platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are required to act within six hours for straightforward cases involving the non-consensual sharing of intimate images or certain child abuse materials. Other cases, such as online harassment, doxing, and stalking, have a response time of up to 48 hours. The government plans to work with these platforms to further reduce these timelines as they become more accustomed to the regulatory framework.
Efforts are also underway to simplify the process for victims reporting online harms. This includes potentially integrating notification forms directly on the platforms and ensuring that only necessary information is required from victims. Dedicated reporting channels, such as specific email addresses, are also being considered to streamline the process.
Additionally, the Singapore Government is exploring ways to tackle issues where harmful content persists even after the original post cannot be found, as well as addressing cross-border cases involving overseas perpetrators or platforms. The Online Safety Commission, launched in June, has already received over 500 reports of online harms, highlighting the necessity for effective and swift actions under the new legal framework.