Singapore Passed OSRA Bill to Protect Victims of Cyberviolence

Social media allows us to connect with people from across the globe. Unfortunately, the high connectivity offered by digital spaces also comes with huge risks, including online harassment. To protect victims of cyberviolence, the Parliament of Singapore passed the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill (OSRA Bill) in November 2025.

Cyberviolence in Singapore

One of the biggest downsides of the internet evolution is the prevalence of harmful behavior and content. The Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) of Singapore revealed that 84% of its residents have encountered harmful online content, which includes cyberbullying. More specifically, 33% have experienced harmful online behavior, such as online harassment and non-consensual image sharing. Furthermore, while technology-facilitated violence can harm anyone, women are disproportionately impacted by online gender-based violence.

To address this issue, the Singapore government has enacted the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill to prevent online harmful activities and promote accountability. Prior to the OSRA Bill, a survey by the MDDI showed that at least two in three respondents were supportive of regulatory restrictions to protect internet users from cyberviolence. The government aims to enforce the law by establishing a new institution called the Online Safety Commission (OSC) in the first half of 2026.

The OSRA Bill classifies online harmful activities into thirteen categories. However, the OSC will initially prioritize five of them before expanding their scope: online harassment, doxxing, online stalking, intimate image abuse, and image-based child abuse.

OSRA Bill to Strengthen Support for Victims

Online platforms normally took five days or more to act on reports of online abuse. Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, stated that the drawn-out response is highly disappointing for the victims.

With the enactment of the OSRA Bill, victims can file reports to the OSC if platforms do not remove harmful content within 24 hours. The OSC will then have the authority to issue directions that online service providers, app distribution services, or public agencies remove detrimental content and restrict perpetrators’ accounts. Failure to comply will constitute an offense and may prompt further measures, including jail terms (for an individual) and fines (for an individual and entities).

Furthermore, victims of cyberviolence may request the disclosure of their perpetrator’s identity to file a civil claim, with the predetermined conditions not to misuse the information. They may also ask for compensation if the virtual harm either damages their livelihoods or benefits the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the recipients of the OSC’s directions—alleged perpetrators—have a chance to appeal to a minister-appointed appeal panel before seeking judicial review in court.

Collective Work for Safer Online Space

The internet has almost no borders, so collaborative efforts are key to creating a safer virtual environment and strengthening cross-border peacebuilding. According to a report by the Institute of Policy Studies, three in four respondents believe that improving the quality of online experience is a shared responsibility between government, technology companies, and individuals.

“Our collective wellbeing is compromised when those who are harmed are denied restitution,” Teo said.  Hence, the Singaporean government hopes that the new legislation can strengthen the support pathway for victims and survivors.

However, while the bill received support from the Workers’ Party, concerns arose regarding the OSC’s independence, eligibility in dealing with legal cases, and effectiveness. Establishing feasible checks and balances becomes crucial to ensure the OSC can operate justly. At the same time, education on collective responsible internet use is equally crucial to minimizing the prevalence of cyberviolence and creating safe digital spaces for all.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma & Kresentia Madina