Digital technologies have become an indispensable part of modern life, providing opportunities for connection, information and innovation. The rapid adoption of digital technologies has inadvertently given rise to an array of online harms that pose significant challenges to individuals, communities and societies worldwide.
These challenges are increasingly prevalent in Singapore. While existing legislations address egregious content, there remains no clear legal or shared definition of online harms. This gap allows content which may not meet the legal thresholds for take down to continue circulating online, bringing about deleterious consequences to vulnerable groups. At the same time, users often struggle to access meaningful recourse. Many are unaware of available support or feel that taking action would have little effect. This lack of clarity and confidence can fuel public apathy, allowing harmful behaviours to become normalised.
This research study, funded by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, seeks to:
- Establish a ground-up understanding about definitions and severity of online harms within Singapore’s socio-cultural context
- Understand Singaporeans’ responses to online harms and perceptions about effective measures to tackle online harms
- Formulate recommendations to support the government’s efforts to enhance online safety for all Singaporeans
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