Singapore’s approach to online content differs from Europe’s. There is no general “right to be forgotten”, but there are several laws that deal with false statements, harassment and certain online harms. This guide explains, in general terms, how they fit together and what is realistic if negative content about you or your business appears online.
Personal data: the PDPA
The Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) governs how organisations collect, use and disclose personal data. It includes obligations such as keeping data accurate and not retaining it longer than needed. It does not give individuals a general right to have lawful information erased from the internet, and it contains exceptions for information that is publicly available and for news activity. The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) is the regulator. Whether the PDPA is relevant depends on who holds the data and why.
False statements and harassment
The Protection from Harassment Act 2014 (POHA) covers harassment and related conduct, and since 2019 it also includes provisions on false statements of fact that harm a person. In appropriate cases, a court can make orders such as requiring a person to stop communicating a false statement or to publish a correction. Those orders are decided by a court on the facts, and they apply to false statements of fact rather than to opinions you simply disagree with.
Defamation
Defamation in Singapore is governed by the common law and the Defamation Act 1957. Truth, fair comment and qualified privilege can be defences. Defamation claims can be costly and slow, and they can draw more attention to the content, so it is worth getting advice from a Singapore lawyer before deciding whether this route makes sense.
The Online Safety Commission
Singapore’s Online Safety Commission began operating on 29 June 2026 under the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act 2025. It is designed to help people affected by certain categories of online harm, such as online harassment, doxxing and intimate image abuse. Its scope is specific, so it is not a general route for every negative review or article. Check the Commission’s official website for the current categories and what it can and cannot do.
Intimate images and child safety
Sharing intimate images without consent can be a criminal offence in Singapore, and content involving minors is treated extremely seriously. If this has happened to you, contact the police and consider speaking to a lawyer or a support organisation. You do not need to handle it alone.
Old convictions
Singapore has a spent record regime that allows some older, minor convictions to be treated as spent after a period without further offending. It does not rewrite old news archives, and eligibility depends on the offence and the person’s history. A lawyer can tell you whether it applies to you.
What is realistic
- Content that is accurate and lawful, including news reporting, is often difficult to change.
- Content that is demonstrably false, harassing or unlawful may be addressed through the courts or regulators, but results depend on the facts.
- No one can honestly guarantee a specific outcome, timeline or result.
- A stronger, accurate and authoritative online presence can change what people see first when they search for you or your business.
How we can help
We start by understanding what is online, where it appears and how much it matters. We then explain which of the routes above may be relevant, what is realistic, and how to build a stronger online presence over time. For legal action we recommend you speak to a lawyer in Singapore. You may also like our guides for other countries.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may be different. For advice on your circumstances, speak to a qualified lawyer in Singapore.
Related: how content removal is assessed, search suppression, the right to be forgotten by country comparison, and our international guides.