Online spaces can be wonderful for connection, learning, and self-expression. But they can also become places where people are harassed, stalked, or exploited. Survivors of online harms often face emotional distress, reputational damage, and a sense of powerlessness.

Recognising these challenges, Singapore has passed the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill (OSRA) on 5 November 2025, a law designed to give survivors tools and support to address abuse effectively.

Purpose and Background

The OSRA Bill was introduced to provide timely relief and legal recourse for victims of online harms. Existing laws offered some protection but were often long-drawn, complex, and difficult for survivors to navigate. Many individuals were forced to remove themselves from online spaces or live with ongoing abuse. The new law aims to change that by creating a clear, structured pathway for support and redress, signalling that online harassment is a serious matter and that survivors’ safety matters.

It is also to deter harmful online activities and to increase accountability in online users and online platforms.

What Will the OSRA Bill Cover?

The OSRA Bill addresses a wide range of online harms that can have serious emotional, psychological, and social consequences for survivors. It will cover 13 types of online harm, including:

• Online Harassment (including sexual or humiliating content)
• Doxxing
• Online stalking
• Intimate image abuse
• Image-based child abuse
• Online impersonation
• Deepfake/ Inauthentic material abuse
• Online instigation of disproportionate harm
• Incitement of violence or enmity
• Non-consensual disclosure of private information
• Publication of false or reputationally harmful material

The OSRA Bill will also establish the Online Safety Commission (OSC) as the central agency to oversee complaints and provide relief. It ensures that individuals who post harmful content, administrators of online spaces, and the platforms that host content are all held accountable. By focusing on both prevention and response, the OSRA Bill aims to create safer digital spaces while supporting survivors.

Read more: Doxxing in Singapore: The Legal Penalties That Could Land You in Jail

What Victims Can Do

Survivors now have a clear path to seek help through the OSC.

They can:

• Report abusive content directly to the OSC
• Request removal of harmful material
• Prevent further harassment by having accounts restricted or blocked
• Receive guidance for pursuing civil remedies including seeking damages or injunctions

This framework allows victims to regain control and protection online, ensuring they no longer face abuse in isolation. With a recognised authority to turn to, survivors can access timely relief and practical support.

Consequences and Punishments

The OSRA Bill sets out clear accountability for those responsible for online harms. Individuals who post harmful content can face legal action in both civil and criminal courts. Online platforms and administrators who fail to act appropriately when directions are issued may also be held liable. This ensures that online spaces are not free from accountability and that survivors can expect prompt and effective remedies.

A key focus of the Bill is enhancing the accountability of communicators of online harms. Many offenders hide behind anonymity to evade responsibility. To address this, the OSC is empowered to require platforms to disclose the identity information of offenders if it is available.

For offenders who conceal their identities, larger platforms are required to take additional steps to verify or collect identifying information. Victims who file a report may request disclosure of an offender’s identity for lawful purposes, such as starting a statutory tort claim or seeking an injunction. Safeguards are built into the system to prevent misuse of this information.

The OSC can issue directions to platforms, group or page administrators, communicators of harmful content, internet service providers, and app stores. These directions may require removal of harmful content, restriction or suspension of accounts, a right-of-reply for victims, or disabling access to harmful sites.

Failure to comply carries serious penalties. Individuals may face fines up to $20,000, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both, with additional daily fines for ongoing offences. Entities can be fined up to $500,000, with additional daily fines for continued non-compliance. These measures ensure timely action and reinforce that online abuse will not go unpunished.

Moving Forward: Supporting Survivors

The OSRA Bill offers hope to survivors by recognising their experiences and providing tools to reclaim safety and dignity online. We greatly applaud Parliament’s move, as Singapore is among the first in the world to introduce a comprehensive framework that combines a dedicated online safety agency, statutory torts, and timely relief for victims.

Our criminal lawyer has recently spoken to CNA about the Bill, sharing insights on how it empowers survivors and strengthens accountability online. We at GJC look forward to assisting victims in navigating this framework, offering guidance and support at every step.

If you are experiencing harassment or abuse online, you do not have to face it alone. Reach out to the Online Safety Commission or seek professional legal advice. Taking action is your right, and timely help can make a real difference.