The legal framework
The Criminal Law Reform Act 2019 introduced offences of voyeurism and of distributing or threatening to distribute intimate images, closing gaps that had previously required prosecutors to rely on obscenity provisions. The Protection from Harassment Act provides civil protection orders, and the Online Safety framework allows directions to platforms.
Key points
| Penal Code | Voyeurism and distribution of intimate images, introduced in 2019 |
|---|---|
| Threats | Threatening to distribute an intimate image is itself an offence |
| Protection orders | From the Protection from Harassment Court, including expedited orders |
| Platforms | Directions can require removal or disabling of access |
| Public photography | Generally lawful; no general image right |
| Support | SHE, the Sexual Assault Care Centre and other services provide help |
| Expedited protection order | Available where publication is threatened |
| Doxxing | Publishing identity information to harass is an offence |
| Disposal orders | Courts can order destruction of recordings |
In practice
- Save the evidence before reporting: screenshots with the URL and date, the account name, and any messages.
- Use the platform's own reporting form first — it is the fastest route to removal — then report to the authority.
- Use StopNCII.org or Take It Down for intimate images: they create a digital fingerprint so participating platforms can block re-uploads without you sending the image anywhere.
- Do not pay a person demanding money to delete an image: payment almost always leads to further demands.
- Apply for an expedited order the moment a threat to publish is made.
Where to go
- Singapore Police Force.
- Protection from Harassment Court.
- SG Her Empowerment (SHE) and AWARE Sexual Assault Care Centre.
Worth knowing
An expedited protection order can be obtained quickly where there is a risk of publication: that is the tool to reach for when someone is threatening to post. The threat to distribute is itself an offence, so you do not have to wait until the image has been shared.
Official sources and links
- gov.sg — official government portal
- Singapore Statutes Online — legislation in force