Singapore OSRA
Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act 2025
Creates a dedicated Online Safety Commission (OSC) with powers to order takedowns and disable access, establishes statutory torts providing victims of online harms with direct civil remedies against platforms and perpetrators.
Jurisdiction
Singapore
Enacted
Nov 5, 2025
Effective
TBD
Enforcement
Online Safety Commission (OSC), a new independent body; IMDA retains defined role.
Bill 18/2025 passed Parliament November 5, 2025. Uncommenced as of April 2026; commencement date to be appointed by Minister via Gazette. Phase 1 (6 of 13 harm categories) expected operational in Q2 2026.
Singapore Statutes Online — OSRA Act 2025Why It Matters
First Asian jurisdiction to combine a dedicated online safety regulator with a statutory tort providing direct civil remedies for victims. The private right of action shifts enforcement posture beyond administrative takedown toward direct platform liability.
Recent Developments
Passed by Parliament November 5, 2025. As of April 2026, Act remains uncommenced pending Minister's Gazette notification; operational launch of Phase 1 expected in Q2 2026.
At a Glance
Harms addressed
Who Must Comply
- Online platforms and services accessible in Singapore
- Individual perpetrators of covered online harms
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Establishes independent Online Safety Commission (OSC) with takedown and access-disabling powers
- Statutory tort allowing victims of online harms to seek civil damages
- Phased coverage of 13 harm categories (Phase 1: 6 priority categories)
- Takedown timelines and platform compliance obligations
- Amends Protection from Harassment Act 2014 and related statutes
Compliance & Enforcement
Key Dates
Jun 30, 2026
Expected Phase 1 operational start (6 priority harm categories)
Penalties
Penalties pending regulatory determination
Private Right of Action
Individuals can sue directly without waiting for regulatory action.
View on map
Singapore
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
Singapore. (2025). Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act 2025.
Related Regulations
SG Online Safety Code
Under Broadcasting Act framework, requires major social media services to implement systems reducing exposure to harmful content. Child safety is key driver.
DSA
Comprehensive platform regulation with tiered obligations. VLOPs (45M+ EU users) face systemic risk assessments, algorithmic transparency, and independent audits.
AU Online Safety Act
Grants eSafety Commissioner powers to issue removal notices with 24-hour compliance. Basic Online Safety Expectations (BOSE) formalize baseline safety governance requirements.
SG Agentic AI Framework
World's first comprehensive governance framework for agentic AI systems capable of autonomous reasoning, planning, and action. Builds on Singapore's 2020 Model AI Governance Framework with specific guidance for deploying AI agents responsibly.
EU Digital Omnibus (AI)
Amendments to the EU AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2026/1744, in force July 27, 2026) that delay high-risk AI system obligations by up to 16 months, make compliance timing conditional on availability of harmonised standards and support tools, and add a new Article 5 prohibition on AI systems for generating non-consensual intimate imagery (nudification tools) and CSAM.
TX AI Catfishing Law
Establishes civil liability for online impersonation using AI. Person liable if they knowingly and with intent to harm, defraud, intimidate, or threaten use AI to impersonate another's name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness. Civil remedies include injunctive relief, actual damages, exemplary damages ($500+ minimum), costs, and attorney's fees. Satire and parody exempted.
Last updated April 16, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.