Combating Online Xenophobia Targeting New Citizens through Stronger Digital Regulations

38 Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) what measures are in place to address online hate speech and xenophobic abuse targeted at new citizens; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider stronger enforcement or legislative action to deter such behaviour and ensure a safe and inclusive digital environment.

Mrs Josephine Teo: We deal with hate and offensive speech against new citizens in the same way as those born here.

Under the Broadcasting Act, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) can direct Internet Content Providers (ICPs) to take down material that is against national harmony or direct online communication services to disable access to egregious content, including content likely to cause racial or religious disharmony in Singapore.

In addition, there are criminal laws to deal with speech that could wound racial or religious feelings. For example, under the Penal Code, it is an offence to commit acts that promote enmity between different racial groups or that are prejudicial to the maintenance of racial harmony. If these acts are perpetuated online, the Online Criminal Harms Act allows the Government to restrict access of Singapore users to such content. In 2019, the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA) was also amended to strengthen the Government's ability to respond effectively to threats against religious harmony in the digital age. There are similar provisions under the MRHA passed earlier this year.

The Ministry of Digital Development and Information and the Ministry of Law will soon table the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill to establish the new Online Safety Commission by the first half of 2026. The Commission is a dedicated agency that will support victims of specified online harms (for example, incitement of enmity or violence against any group), to seek timely relief from perpetrators and platforms.