Singapore: Adopted Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act including content moderation regulation

On 8 May 2019, the Parliament of Singapore adopted the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill (POFMA). The Bill makes it an offence for a person to communicate a false statement of fact if they know or have reason to believe the statement is false and its communication in Singapore is likely to be prejudicial to the security of Singapore, public health, safety, tranquillity, or finances, harm Singapore's friendly relations with other countries, influence the outcome of elections or referendums, incite enmity, hatred, or ill-will between different groups, or undermine public confidence in the government or its entities. Creating or modifying bots to disseminate falsehoods is prohibited, as is enabling others to do so. Additionally, internet intermediaries and mass media providers can be mandated to issue correction notices or disable access to falsehoods. Prescribed intermediaries must address inauthentic accounts and behaviors, facing penalties for noncompliance. Online locations repeatedly spreading falsehoods may face declarations and measures, including profit restrictions. Service providers and digital advertisers must ensure advertisements are not displayed on declared online locations (DOLs) in Singapore. Internet access service providers may be ordered to block users in Singapore from accessing online locations or DOLs. Noncompliance with issued correction directions and stop communication directions can lead to penalties, including imprisonment and fines. The Bill will come into force on the day established by the Minister.