Singapore: Implemented MCI order designating The Online Citizen Asia’s website and social media pages as declared online locations under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act

On 22 July 2023, the Singapore Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI)’s order declaring The Online Citizen Asia’s (TOCA) website, Facebook page, Twitter account page, and LinkedIn page as "declared online locations" (DOLs) under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act 2019 (POFMA), enters into force. This declaration was made due to multiple falsehoods communicated on these platforms. The declaration will be in effect for two years, until 21 July 2025. During this period, TOCA’s online locations must display a notice warning visitors about their history of spreading misinformation. While these platforms can continue to operate, they are prohibited from generating financial benefits from their activities. Various restrictions are placed on advertising and financial support. Service providers and digital advertising intermediaries must take reasonable steps to ensure that paid content on these DOLs is not communicated in Singapore. Additionally, individuals and companies are prohibited from providing financial support to these DOLs if it could facilitate the spread of falsehoods. Members of the public are advised to be alert to TOCA’s history of communicating misinformation and to fact-check information published on these platforms.