Online Harassment, Doxxing and More: How Can You Get Help in Singapore?

What happens when a video of you goes viral, strangers reveal your personal information or hurtful comments spread across social media?

In Episode 1 of gov.sg's Let's Table It podcast, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo and Online Safety Commissioner Francis Ng explain how Singapore is addressing online harms, what victims can do and why everyone has a role in creating a safer online environment.

What is the Online Safety Commission (OSC)?

The OSC (opens in new tab) helps victims seek relief from online harm through a statutory reporting mechanism that enables action against harmful online content.

Previously, victims who reported harmful content to online platforms sometimes received no response or were told that the content did not breach the platforms' community guidelines.

Some could seek protection orders through the courts under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA), but this required navigating the court process.

Under the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act (opens in new tab) (OSRAA), the OSC provides another avenue for victims to seek help.

The legislation identifies 13 categories of online harms to individuals. Since beginning operations on 29 June 2026, the OSC has provided support for five categories: online harassment, doxxing, online stalking, intimate image abuse and image-based child abuse. The remaining eight categories will be implemented progressively.

How can victims report online harms?

Where victims should report online harm depends on the type of harm experienced. For online harassment and online stalking, victims should first report the content to the platform. For more severe harms such as doxxing, intimate image abuse and image-based child abuse, victims can approach the OSC directly.

1. Report harmful content to the platform

Online platforms remain the first point of contact for most reports. Under OSRAA, they are required to respond when victims report categories of online harm specified in the legislation.

As Minister Teo explained, this responsibility remains with the platforms, even with the establishment of the OSC.

2. Approach the OSC where applicable

For severe harms such as doxxing, intimate image abuse and image-based child abuse, victims can report directly to the OSC without first approaching the platform.

3. Approach the police where appropriate

Some online harms may also involve criminal offences.

Under the public service's "No Wrong Door" approach, the police may direct victims to the OSC for help with content removal while separately investigating possible offences.

Similarly, the OSC may refer cases to the police if it identifies a possible offence.

What happens after a report is made to the OSC?

The OSC assesses eligible reports, engages online platforms and may issue legal directions to disable access to or block harmful content.

Commissioner Ng explained that the OSC has case resolution teams on standby seven days a week.

The process generally involves:

1. Assessing the report: A case resolution officer reviews the report and checks whether it meets the requirements for action.

2. Contacting the platform: For eligible cases, the OSC may first flag the harmful content to the platform for its review and possible removal.

3. Issuing legal directions: Where necessary, the OSC may issue directions to platforms, online group administrators or individuals responsible for harmful content. These may require harmful content to be made inaccessible or certain online activities to stop. Failure to comply with a direction is a criminal offence.

What support is available beyond content removal?

Removing harmful content can provide immediate relief, but victims may also need emotional, psychological or legal support.

Commissioner Ng explained that removing harmful content is often a victim's foremost concern.

However, copies may already have circulated, and the emotional impact can remain even after the content is removed.

The OSC works with community partners, including SHECARES, to provide additional support where appropriate. This may include counselling, psychological support and referrals for legal advice.

How are platforms and individuals held accountable?

The OSC can take action involving both online platforms and individuals responsible for harmful conduct.

Platforms may face legal consequences if they fail to comply with OSC directions.

The OSC also has investigative powers under OSRAA. Individuals who fail to comply with certain investigative notices may commit an offence, with possible penalties including fines or imprisonment.

However, enforcement is not always the first approach. Commissioner Ng shared that the OSC may engage individuals, explain why their conduct was harmful and give them an opportunity to correct their behaviour.

OSRAA also provides safeguards for reviewing OSC decisions. Eligible parties can request reconsideration of a decision and, if still dissatisfied, appeal to an independent Online Safety Appeal Panel.

How effective has the OSC been?

During the podcast, Minister Teo shared that more than 90% of reports eligible for action had been resolved at the time discussed.

Doxxing and online harassment accounted for the largest share of cases, with smaller proportions involving intimate image abuse and online stalking.

How can everyone contribute to a safer online environment?

Online safety is a shared responsibility.

Beyond helping victims, Singapore's approach includes public education and efforts to promote more responsible online behaviour.

Minister Teo also highlighted the importance of supporting parents in guiding their children's digital habits, including through the Screen Smart from the Start initiative.

For individuals, Commissioner Ng offered a simple reminder: before sharing a viral video, forwarding a message or posting about someone else, consider why you are doing so.

Would you want the same content shared if you were the person involved?

By thinking before we post or share, we can all contribute to a safer, kinder and more gracious online space.

This article is based on Episode 1 of Let's Table It, titled Who Draws the Line Online?. Figures, measures and policies reflect the information shared in the podcast.