Operators of The Online Citizen (TOC)'s Online Platforms Prohibited from Receiving Financial Benefit

Singapore, 11 June 2025 – The Minister for Digital Development and Information has declared The Online Citizen’s (TOC) website and social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and X as “Declared Online Locations” (DOL(s)) under Section 32 of the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act 2019 (POFMA).

2. This is the second time that TOC’s website, Facebook and X pages have been designated as DOLs for repeatedly communicating falsehoods. These platforms were first declared as DOLs in July 2023, for a period of two years. During this period, each of these platforms have had to carry a notice to alert viewers that it has been declared as a DOL, that it had communicated multiple falsehoods, and that viewers should exercise caution when accessing it for information. The owner or operator of TOC’s online platforms has also been restricted from receiving financial or other material benefits from operating the DOLs.

3. Despite the current Declaration, TOC has continued to communicate falsehoods through its online platforms over the past two years. TOC has received a total of eight POFMA Correction Directions between July 2023 and June 2025, for communicating falsehoods about topics such as the death penalty, and financial and social assistance for Singaporeans in need.

4. A new Declaration is therefore necessary to ensure Singaporeans continue to be alerted to TOC’s record of communicating falsehoods. Based on the statutory requirements for declaring DOLs, the new Declaration is made based on the most recent POFMA Correction Directions issued to TOC within the past six months (see Annex A for details).

5. The new Declaration will come into effect on 22 July 2025, after the existing Declaration expires, and will remain in force for two years until 21 July 2027 at 12.00 pm (GMT+8).

6. The conditions of the new Declaration remain the same as the current Declaration. Just as before, the new Declaration does not require TOC’s online platforms to cease operations. In addition, service providers such as digital advertising agencies, and digital advertising intermediaries must take reasonable steps to ensure that paid content that they include or cause to be included on TOC’s online platforms are not communicated 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.

7. The owner or operator of TOC’s online platforms can 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.

8. Members of the public are advised to be aware of TOC’s history of communicating falsehoods on its online platforms, and to fact-check information published on these online locations. Refer to Annex B for a list of other Declarations currently in effect.

Annex A and B