Ministry of Law (MinLaw) receives questions about online falsehoods and misleading statements about Singapore. While MinLaw oversees policies on online falsehoods, we cannot provide legal advice about your specific situation.

What are online falsehoods?

Online falsehoods are false or misleading statements published on the internet. This includes:

• False news articles or blog posts

• Misleading social media posts

• Fake information about Singapore's policies or laws

• Doctored images or videos

• False claims about government agencies

The Legal Policy Group within MinLaw is responsible for developing policies and laws related to online falsehoods.

However, MinLaw cannot:

• Give you legal advice about whether content is false or defamatory

• Tell you what legal action to take

• Represent you in court cases

• Investigate specific online content on your behalf

What is being done about online falsehoods

Current laws

• Singapore has laws that address online falsehoods, including Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) and other relevant laws.

• New development: Online Safety Commission

• A new Online Safety Commission ("OSC") will be set up in mid-2026 and further details of the OSC will be announced in due course. This commission will oversee online safety matters including falsehoods.

What you can do

If you need legal advice

• Contact a private lawyer who can:

  • Assess whether the content violates any laws

  • Advise you on your legal options

  • Help you take legal action if appropriate

  • Find a lawyer through the Law Society of Singapore at https://www.lawsociety.org.sg/

If you cannot afford legal services

• Apply for help from the Legal Aid Bureau. They may provide free legal services if you qualify.

  • Apply online: https://lab.mlaw.gov.sg/

  • Eligibility: Income and asset limits apply

  • Report to relevant authorities

You may also report online falsehoods to:

• Relevant government agencies or platforms where the content appears

• The platform where the false content is published

What to do next

Need legal advice about online falsehoods? Find a lawyer at https://www.lawsociety.org.sg/

Cannot afford a lawyer? Check if you qualify for legal aid at https://lab.mlaw.gov.sg/

Have questions about MinLaw's other services? Contact us at https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/