More protection orders filed; most cases involved cyber bullying, doxing: MinLaw
Source: Straits Times
Article Date: 05 Mar 2025
Author: Claudia Tan
Cyberbullying and doxing are two forms of online abuse the Government is concerned about.
The number of protection order applications made to the Protection from Harassment Court (PHC) has increased since it began operations in June 2021.
There were 346 applications filed that year and the number rose to 520 in 2022, 526 in 2023 and 631 in 2024.
These 2,023 applications contained 2,339 complaints, as an application can contain more than one type of harassment.
Of all the complaints received by the court, most involved cyber bullying (760) and doxing (719). They are two forms of online abuse the Government is concerned about.
To tackle these online harms, the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) will set up a new agency for this purpose.
This was announced by Minister of State for Law Murali Pillai during MinLaw’s budget debate on March 4.
In his speech, Mr Pillai referenced a survey done by MDDI in 2024, which found that two-thirds of respondents encountered harmful content on social media.
Separately, a 2023 study by SG Her Empowerment showed that young people aged between 15 and 24 were more likely to experience online abuse than other age groups.
Mr Murali said MinLaw and MDDI have identified three areas to address – a need for quick recourse from online harms; clarity on whether existing laws can be used to address new harms; and the lack of accountability for anonymous perpetrators.
Once the new agency is set up, victims will be able to submit their complaints to it, and it will instruct perpetrators to disable access to harmful content, reported The Straits Times in November.
It can grant complainants the right of reply to defend themselves against false statements.
Mr Murali said MDDI will provide more information about the agency at a later date.
He said MinLaw will clarify the types of online harms under the law, so victims can hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Mr Murali added that victims can also apply to uncover the user information of anonymous perpetrators for legal proceedings, but this cannot be used to launch counter-attacks.
Enhancing access to justice
Noting there may be a digital divide as the legal sector increasingly adopts technology, Mr Murali said more help will be provided to the less technologically savvy.
Enhancements will be made to the LawGoWhere portal, which was launched in 2024, where users can search for information on legal issues.
In 2025, a legal help finder will be built into the website, which will allow users to key in their postal code and legal issues to receive legal assistance options.
Tender for multi-generational co-living spaces
In his speech, Mr Murali said the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) will launch tenders for 20 heritage properties in Admiralty Road East for multi-generational co-living.
He said proposals that emphasise intergenerational co-living, which encourage independent senior living, will be considered favourably.
Tenders for state properties at 79 to 95 Hindoo Road, 26 Evans Road and 98 Henderson Road were previously launched to create co-living spaces to meet the needs of Singapore’s ageing population.
Mr Murali added that there are plans to restore and repurpose Block 1 East Coast Road as a space which provides recreational activities for all ages. It will host programmes to support youth.
He said: “SLA will continue collaborating with agencies to introduce more state properties for social and community uses.”
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.
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