Latest news with #ProtectionfromOnlineFalsehoodsandManipulationAct
Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Second round of Pofma sanctions for owner of The Online Citizen's website, social media accounts
This is the second time that The Online Citizen has been slapped with the declaration, with its first due to expire in July 2025. PHOTO: THE ONLINE CITIZEN/FACEBOOK Second round of Pofma sanctions for owner of The Online Citizen's website, social media accounts SINGAPORE – The people running The Online Citizen's (TOC) website, Facebook, Instagram, and X pages will continue to be barred from deriving any financial benefits from the running of its platforms till 2027. In a statement on June 11 , the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) said TOC's website and social media pages – which were labelled as Declared Online Locations (DOLs) – had first been declared as such in July 2023, and were due to expire on July 21, 2025. DOLs have to comply with actions under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma) that would prevent their operator from financially benefiting during the period they are listed as one. However, said MDDI, TOC 'continued to communicate falsehoods through its online platforms over the past two years'. Between July 2023 and June 2025 , it received eigh t correction directions under the fake news law . These included one in Feb 25, after TOC published an article about modification works at the Ridout Road colonial bungalow leased by Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam's wife. In its article, it said the Singapore Land Authorit y had given Mr Shanmugam assurances of a lease extension beyond its 2027 expiry, and that public funds were used to pay for the earthworks carried out at the bungalow since 2024, among other claims. These are falsehoods, said MDDI. As a result, TOC's website and social media pages have again been labelled DOLs, a move necessary 'to ensure Singaporeans continue to be alerted to TOC's record of communicating falsehoods', said the ministry. The new declaration comes into effect immediately after the current direction expires and will remain till July 21, 2027 at 12p m. TOC will be able to continue its operations, but will have to carry a notice on its online platforms to notify its audience that it has been declared a DOL. The notice will also have to state that it had 'communicated multiple falsehoods' and that its viewers should exercise caution when accessing it for information. MDDI added that service providers, including digital advertising agencies, will have to take steps to ensure that their paid content on TOC's platforms are not made available in Singapore. 'Individuals and companies must also not provide financial support to TOC's DOLs to avoid promoting the communication of falsehoods in Singapore on these platforms,' it added. At present, there are three other outlets currently listed as DOLs. They are Transformative Justice Collective's website and social media pages, Gutzy Asia's website and social media pages, as well as opposition politician Kenneth Jeyaretnam's website and social media pages. A provision under Pofma allows the Government to order an internet intermediary to disable access to a DOL if the owner of the DOL does not comply with the declaration and paid content on the site continues to be displayed to users here. If an internet intermediary fails to comply and is convicted, it can be fined up to $20,000 for each day that the government order is not fully complied with, up to a total o f $500,000 . The owner or operator of a DOL can however apply to the Minister for Digital Development and Information to suspend, vary, or cancel the declaration. If the minister refuses the application, an appeal can be made to the High Court. Aqil Hamzah is a journalist covering breaking news at The Straits Times, with interests in crime and technology. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Star
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Second round of Pofma sanctions for owner of The Online Citizen's website, social media accounts
This is the second time that The Online Citizen has been slapped with the declaration, with its first due to expire in July 2025. - The Online Citizen/Facebook via ST/ANN SINGAPORE: The people running The Online Citizen's (TOC) website, Facebook, Instagram and X pages will continue to be barred from deriving any financial benefits from the running of its platforms till 2027. In a statement on June 11, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) said TOC's website and social media pages – which were labelled as Declared Online Locations (DOLs) – had first been declared as such in July 2023, and were due to expire on July 21, 2025. DOLs have to comply with actions under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma) that would prevent their operator from financially benefiting during the period they are listed as one. However, said MDDI, TOC 'continued to communicate falsehoods through its online platforms over the past two years'. Between July 2023 and June 2025, it received eight correction directions under the fake news law. These included one in February 25, after TOC published an article about modification works at the Ridout Road colonial bungalow leased by Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam's wife. In its article, it said the Singapore Land Authority had given Shanmugam assurances of a lease extension beyond its 2027 expiry, and that public funds were used to pay for the earthworks carried out at the bungalow since 2024, among other claims. These are falsehoods, said MDDI. As a result, TOC's website and social media pages have again been labelled DOLs, a move necessary 'to ensure Singaporeans continue to be alerted to TOC's record of communicating falsehoods', said the ministry. The new declaration comes into effect immediately after the current direction expires and will remain till July 21, 2027 at 12pm. TOC will be able to continue its operations, but will have to carry a notice on its online platforms to notify its audience that it has been declared a DOL. The notice will also have to state that it had 'communicated multiple falsehoods' and that its viewers should exercise caution when accessing it for information. MDDI added that service providers, including digital advertising agencies, will have to take steps to ensure that their paid content on TOC's platforms are not made available in Singapore. 'Individuals and companies must also not provide financial support to TOC's DOLs to avoid promoting the communication of falsehoods in Singapore on these platforms,' it added. At present, there are three other outlets currently listed as DOLs. They are Transformative Justice Collective's website and social media pages, Gutzy Asia's website and social media pages, as well as opposition politician Kenneth Jeyaretnam's website and social media pages. A provision under Pofma allows the Government to order an internet intermediary to disable access to a DOL if the owner of the DOL does not comply with the declaration and paid content on the site continues to be displayed to users here. If an internet intermediary fails to comply and is convicted, it can be fined up to S$20,000 (US$15,545) for each day that the government order is not fully complied with, up to a total of $500,000. The owner or operator of a DOL can however apply to the Minister for Digital Development and Information to suspend, vary or cancel the declaration. If the minister refuses the application, an appeal can be made to the High Court. - The Straits Times/ANN
AsiaOne
01-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
'Let's worry about ordinary Singaporeans instead': PSP says losing a few ministers won't weaken govt, Singapore News
The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) disagreed with the notion that losing some cabinet ministers would weaken the government, stating that voters need not worry for the People's Action Party (PAP) and should "worry about ordinary Singaporeans instead". At the party's final rally this general election on Thursday (May 1), PSP vice-chair Hazel Poa said: "PAP also says that if you vote for opposition, they could lose ministers. "But look at Minister Ong Ye Kung. He lost in GE2011 in Aljunied GRC, but he was brought back in the next election through a different GRC. "So do not worry for PAP. Let's worry about ordinary Singaporeans instead," she added. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Ong were some of the PAP candidates who made similar statements during the election period. These came as the focus was sharpened on the battleground ward of Punggol, where PAP had deployed Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong to fend off Workers' Party's advances. PSP secretary-general Leong Mun Wai also chimed in on the topic during the rally held at Jurong West Stadium. "Has the government been weakened since it lost George Yeo, Lim Hwee Hua and Ng Chee Meng?" he asked. "Could a weak government have raised GST (Goods and Services Tax) during high inflation? Could a weak government have passed laws like Pofma (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) and Fica (Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act)? Could a weak government have amended the constitution to create the reserved presidency in 2017? "The PAP government will not be weakened if they lose a few ministers, because the opposition will come in and provide more ideas," Leong added, calling the sentiment "rubbish". Party chairmain Tan Cheng Bock also addressed the matter as the rally concluded. Referring to NTUC secretary-general Ng, who this time is PAP's candidate for Jalan Kayu SMC, Dr Tan said: "When they say they are worried that... [they] will lose him as a minister, I worry. "Because on the one hand, they say [a] minister must be tough, must be strong, must be decisive... but he wasn't. "That episode that was related by Mun Wai and Hazel, the Allianz episode concerning NTUC, reflects the quality of that leadership, and you want him to be a minister? You better think twice," he added. Last year, German insurer Allianz had offered $2.2 billion in cash for at least 51 per cent of shares for Income Insurance, in which NTUC Enterprise has a majority stake. But the government intervened in October, pausing the deal as it decided it would not be in the public interest. Two months later, Allianz pulled out of the deal. Ng addressed the saga on April 27 at a rally, apologising while explaining the circumstances. During her speech, Poa also called on fellow West Coast-Jurong West GRC candidate Shawn Huang to clarify whether alleged plans by his PAP volunteers to disrupt a PSP walkabout were true and if they were executed. These plans were allegedly discussed in a WhatsApp group linked to grassroots volunteers of Huang's, she added. Supporters fill stadium for final rally A large, boisterous crowd was present for the PSP's final rally for the 2025 General Election. Some supporters came with flags, signs and party merchandise in tow and cheered loudly as candidates delivered their speeches. The rally also saw a surprise host: former Workers' Party MP Leon Perera, who has been spotted volunteering with PSP since last year. PSP is contesting in Chua Chu Kang and West Coast-Jurong West GRCs as well as Pioneer, Kebun Baru and Marymount SMCs. The party's West Coast-Jurong West team consists of Dr Tan, Leong and Poa alongside newcomers Sumarleki Amjah, 53, and Sani Ismail, 49. At the last general election in 2020, PSP contested in West Coast GRC where the PAP won by a whisker — getting 51.59 per cent of votes to PSP's 48.31 per cent. [[nid:717557]]
Online Citizen
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
GE2025: PPP's Goh Meng Seng accuses WP of betraying voters over Marine Parade walkover
SINGAPORE: At a campaign rally held on 24 April 2025 at Temasek Junior College in Tampines, People's Power Party (PPP) secretary-general Goh Meng Seng sharply criticised the Workers' Party (WP) and its leader Pritam Singh. Goh accused the WP of betraying voters in the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Group Representation Constituency (GRC) by not fielding a team there. This decision led to a walkover win for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). 'There is no good strategy for WP contesting Tampines GRC,' said Goh during his speech. He added, 'I was very angry… because they have abandoned 130,000 voters in Marine Parade. On what good grounds? To come to Tampines for a four-cornered fight?' Goh pointed out that the contest in Tampines GRC now involves four parties: PAP, WP, PPP, and the National Solidarity Party (NSP). Implying strategic obstruction Suggesting an ulterior motive, Goh claimed, 'They want to make sure Goh Meng Seng does not go into Parliament.' He implied that WP's decision to contest Tampines might have been aimed at blocking his entry into Parliament. Goh also argued that PPP was the only party to raise concerns about the national Covid-19 vaccination campaign. He referred to past controversies, including multiple Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) orders issued against him for exaggerating vaccine dangers. He continued by criticising WP chief Pritam Singh, accusing him of failing to apologise to Marine Parade voters. 'Bro, when I was contesting 2006, where were you?' said Goh. He added that his greatest regret was 'to build the platform for these people'. Pritam Singh responds to criticisms Earlier on 24 April morning, during a doorstop interview on Nomination Day, WP leader Pritam Singh addressed the accusations made by Goh. 'Mr Goh should focus on the campaign in Tampines,' Singh stated. He explained that the decision not to contest Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC was based on party strategy and calculations. Singh responded to the suggestion that WP should have coordinated with other opposition parties to avoid walkovers. He emphasised that such coordination was not standard practice. 'It's not as if some of these alternative parties… approach us to ask, 'Can I stand here, can I stand there?'' Singh said. 'We respect them, we respect their agency. They make decisions in their enlightened self-interest and so do we.' When questioned again by media on 25 April regarding Goh's remarks, Singh reaffirmed his position, stating, 'Mr Goh Meng Seng is Mr Goh Meng Seng. Nothing's going to change.' Residents' concerns addressed Singh had also earlier said that he had visited residents in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights after Nomination Day to explain the party's rationale. 'I acknowledged and validated their disappointment,' Singh said. 'But after I explained to them the reality of boundaries being withdrawn, and our own calculations as a party, I think they understood.' Addressing claims that WP's campaign planning was last-minute, Singh noted that strategies evolve as the situation changes. 'There's nothing untoward about our decisions,' he said. 'Even the PAP didn't confirm its slate until the end. We were quite clear what we wanted to do.' Singh concluded by affirming WP's broader goal: 'We put forward the best slate of candidates we can for Singapore. We want a more balanced political system.'
CNA
25-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: PAR chief Lim Tean dismisses impact of pending court cases on campaign, says he's a 'renowned lawyer'
On whether his conviction and pending charges would affect his chances at this election, the 60-year-old said: "Not at all." He said that he was a "very senior lawyer" who has handled some of the country's "most prolific, most high-profile cases" in the last five years. He brought up his role in representing blogger and financial adviser Leong Sze Hian, and the editor of alternative news website The Online Citizen Terry Xu in their defamation cases involving then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. He added that he had also represented a "large number of clients" in constitutional and administrative law matters, challenging the decisions of government agencies and correction directions under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). "I do not want to beat my own drum, but I am a renowned lawyer," said Mr Lim, adding that he was not going to "hide my fire under the bushels any longer". He also claimed that he had done "a lot more prominent" cases in Singapore compared to the lawyers who were MPs before parliament was dissolved, as well as those in the past, without naming them. Mr Lim said PAR is "fully into the election campaign" and has plans to hold three rallies, with the first tentatively set for Saturday in Jalan Besar. A four-member PAR team comprising private tutor and newcomer Mr Chiu Shin Kong, businessman Mr Mohamad Hamim Aliyas, nurse Ms Sarina Abu Hassan, and preschool educator Ms Vigneswari V Ramachandran is running in the Group Representation Constituency (GRC). They are up against the PAP slate led by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo.
