Doxxing Law in Singapore: Definition, Types, and Penalties of Doxxing

As online platforms have grown, so has the misuse of personal information to harass, intimidate, or even incite violence against individuals. In Singapore, doxxing has become a significant legal concern in recent years. This act of publicly sharing someone’s personal information with malicious intent is now recognised as a criminal offence under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA). This article discusses doxxing laws in Singapore, types of doxxing offences, and the legal consequences for those found guilty.

What is Doxxing?

In simple terms, doxxing involves disclosing a person’s personal information without their consent, typically to intimidate, harass, or threaten them. Such information may include the victim’s home address, workplace details, phone number, or even the personal details of people connected to them. 

The primary aim is to expose the individual to potential harm, harassment, or embarrassment. Doxxing laws in Singapore define the offence strictly as actions taken to cause harm to a person, never targeting entities like businesses or organisations.

Introduction of Doxxing Laws in Singapore

Singapore’s Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) has been amended to address modern harassment issues, such as online threats and doxxing. From January 2020, the POHA officially categorised doxxing as a distinct offence, allowing victims to pursue legal remedies and hold offenders accountable. This amendment reflects the seriousness with which the authorities view harassment and misuse of personal information in a digital age.

Types of Doxxing Offences

Under the revised doxxing laws in Singapore, there are three main categories of offences:

1. Doxxing to Cause Harassment, Alarm, or Distress

Under Section 3(1)(c) of the POHA, it is an offence to release a person’s information with the intent to cause them harassment, alarm, or distress. This might include sharing details like the victim’s home address or contact information with the goal of causing emotional harm. Even if no physical harm occurs, the act of publishing sensitive information with intent is still an offence.

2. Doxxing to Cause Fear of Violence

This offence covers situations where personal information is disclosed with the intent to instil a fear of violence. This might involve, for example, sharing the victim’s details alongside threats of harm or encouraging others to engage in intimidating behaviour. The goal here is not just harassment but creating a sense of physical vulnerability or fear in the victim.

3. Doxxing to Incite Violence

This is considered the most severe form of doxxing. It involves sharing a person’s details with the intent of encouraging or inciting violence against them. For instance, an offender may post the victim’s address or workplace alongside calls for harm or specific instructions to others to take violent actions. Such acts are treated with the utmost severity, given the high risk of physical harm.

Penalties for Doxxing in Singapore

The penalties for doxxing in Singapore depend on the specific nature of the offence and the intent behind it. Legal consequences of doxxing cover the following aspects:

1. Harassment, Alarm, or Distress

For doxxing offences aimed at causing alarm, harassment, or distress, the penalty can encompass a fine of up to SGD 5,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.

2. Fear of Violence

If the doxxing offence involves causing fear of violence, the penalties increase. The offender could face a fine of up to SGD 5,000, a prison term of up to 12 months, or both.

3. Incitement of Violence

For the most serious cases, where doxxing is intended to incite violence, the penalties can be significantly higher. In addition to fines and longer prison terms, courts may impose other punitive measures depending on the severity of the offence.

Seek Legal Advice From a Reliable Criminal Lawyer

The rise of doxxing highlights the need for robust legal measures to protect individuals’ privacy and prevent harassment in this digital era. With the doxxing laws in Singapore addressing harassment, fear of violence, and incitement, offenders face serious consequences.

For those affected, either as victims or accused individuals, professional legal support is essential. This is because the circumstances of each case can significantly impact both the determination of guilt and the severity of penalties. Consult a knowledgeable criminal litigation lawyer helps to clarify the nuances of intent and ensure fair treatment under doxxing laws in Singapore.

At Low Law Corporation, our criminal trial lawyers are equipped to review evidence, offer strategic legal advice, and advocate for a just outcome. 

Reach out to us for the professional guidance you need.