For subscribers
Strip anonymity from social media to tackle online harassment
The law can only go so far. Online spaces need to do more, and also enable users to have more control over their privacy.
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
How best to combat the scourge of online harassment and doxxing is a challenge not just in Singapore, but around the world.
PHOTO: TNP FILE
Ben Chester Cheong
Follow topic:
Despite legislative efforts and enhanced legal recourse for victims, the rising tide of online vigilantism and harassment in Singapore remains deeply concerning. Just recently, The Straits Times highlighted that while more targets of digital abuse are turning to the courts for relief, many cases still go unreported due to victims feeling fearful, embarrassed or overwhelmed by the legal process.
The Protection from Harassment Act (Poha) was amended in 2019 to criminalise doxxing, giving victims legal protection and redress. In 2021, the specialist Protection from Harassment Court (PHC) was established to streamline and expedite harassment cases.
