Singapore: Implemented POFMA Code of Practice for Transparency of Online Political Advertisements

On 2 October 2019, the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) Office’s Code of Practice for Transparency of Online Political Advertisements entered into force. The code outlines the obligations of prescribed digital advertising intermediaries and internet intermediaries to enhance the transparency of online political advertisements. The code requires intermediaries to implement due diligence measures, such as verifying the eligibility of advertisers for elections, ensuring political advertisements include disclosure notices, maintaining records of all political advertisements, and having mechanisms for reporting undisclosed or miscategorised ads. These records must include details such as the digital copy of the ad, the names of those who requested or paid for the ad, payment amounts, target audience descriptions, view counts, and display dates. Records must be kept for at least four years. Intermediaries must also develop techniques to identify and flag undisclosed or miscategorised ads, promptly inform authorities of suspected abuse, and provide annual reports to the POFMA Office on the implementation of these measures. Additionally, during election periods, intermediaries must verify the advertiser’s identity and location and remove ads violating the Parliamentary Elections Act or Presidential Elections Act when informed by the POFMA Office.