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Thoughtless comments have no place even on social media because a "single thoughtless comment can have immense reach and severe consequences".
While the Penal Code covers offences such as criminal intimidation in both the physical world and cyberspace, there are no specific laws protecting persons from cyber harassment, bullying and other anti-social acts on the Internet, said Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Teo Chee Hean in Parliament yesterday.
DPM Teo, who is also Minister for Home Affairs, said his ministry will work with the ministries of Law and of Information, Communications and the Arts (Mica) to review the matter and consider the laws needed to address such situations.
Mr Teo was asked whether existing laws were adequate to protect Singaporeans against inappropriate or wrongful online behaviour.
Touching on the "changing complexion" of Singapore society, DPM Teo said there are those who feel "they should be allowed to express their views in an unfettered way".
But, he added: "On the other hand, when remarks or acts denigrate another culture, nationality or religion, members of the public and those groups who are the target want action to be taken against the perpetrators."
He added that the UK, Australia, India and the US have laws to protect people from cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking or cyber-harassment.
In reviewing Singapore's laws in these areas, the Government will also consider "enhancing civil remedies for those affected by wrongdoings which are not criminal in nature".
He said: "For example, an aggrieved party should be able to protect himself from falsehoods spread on the Net when suing for defamation and obtain a timely injunction to order the removal of any offensive statements... given its viral nature."
People must also be savvy in spotting and avoiding others with malicious intent.
On this, cyber-wellness initiatives will be part of the Government's efforts to protect online users.
Mica will give details about this later.
This article was first published in The New Paper.
While the Penal Code covers offences such as criminal intimidation in both the physical world and cyberspace, there are no specific laws protecting persons from cyber harassment, bullying and other anti-social acts on the Internet, said Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Teo Chee Hean in Parliament yesterday.
DPM Teo, who is also Minister for Home Affairs, said his ministry will work with the ministries of Law and of Information, Communications and the Arts (Mica) to review the matter and consider the laws needed to address such situations.
Mr Teo was asked whether existing laws were adequate to protect Singaporeans against inappropriate or wrongful online behaviour.
Touching on the "changing complexion" of Singapore society, DPM Teo said there are those who feel "they should be allowed to express their views in an unfettered way".
But, he added: "On the other hand, when remarks or acts denigrate another culture, nationality or religion, members of the public and those groups who are the target want action to be taken against the perpetrators."
He added that the UK, Australia, India and the US have laws to protect people from cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking or cyber-harassment.
In reviewing Singapore's laws in these areas, the Government will also consider "enhancing civil remedies for those affected by wrongdoings which are not criminal in nature".
He said: "For example, an aggrieved party should be able to protect himself from falsehoods spread on the Net when suing for defamation and obtain a timely injunction to order the removal of any offensive statements... given its viral nature."
People must also be savvy in spotting and avoiding others with malicious intent.
On this, cyber-wellness initiatives will be part of the Government's efforts to protect online users.
Mica will give details about this later.
This article was first published in The New Paper.
