Parliament Sitting on 12 January 2022

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER


25. Dr Shahira AbdullahTo ask the Minister for Communications and Information whether the Ministry will consider banning the OnlyFans website which can be used for the distribution of obscene media.

Answer:

1. OnlyFans is a content subscription service based overseas that allows content creators to post content and receive payment directly from their followers. Its terms of service require users to be at least 18 years old and prohibit creators from posting egregious content, such as revenge porn. Members of the public may report suspected violations of the terms of service directly to the platform.

2. Under Singapore’s Penal Code, it is illegal to transmit any obscene material by electronic means. It is also illegal to participate in or receive profits from any business where obscene materials are transmitted by electronic means or advertise the sale of obscene materials. Following a police report and subsequent investigation by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), a 22-year-old was arrested in December 2021 for transmitting obscene materials via OnlyFans. Members of the public who are aware of persons engaging in such activities can similarly lodge a police report.

3. Not all content posted on OnlyFans is objectionable, but we must ensure that such content creation platforms do not expose Singaporeans to the risk of exploitation and abuse, especially our youth. The government closely monitors developments in this regard and will take regulatory action where appropriate. 

4. Realistically, however, it will not be possible to block all objectionable or obscene content on the internet. That is why we must look beyond banning and take a holistic approach to deal with such content. 

5. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) requires Internet Service Providers to offer optional residential and mobile Internet filtering services to help parents ensure that children have safe access to the Internet. Our schools conduct cyber wellness lessons where students learn to identify and avoid inappropriate online content. Under Digital for Life (DfL), a national movement to help all Singaporeans embrace digitalisation, the Media Literacy Council (MLC) works with partners to promote safe and responsible online behaviour through resources and public education activities. In July 2021, MCI launched the Sunlight Alliance for Action (AfA) to tackle online harms, especially those targeted at women and girls. The AfA brings together partners from the people, public and private (3P) sectors to drive ground-up digital safety initiatives. These collective efforts help to build a well-informed and discerning citizenry that can guard against online harms.
 
MCI directs IMDA to issue Access Blocking Orders to Asia Sentinel for Non-compliance with Correction Direction Press Releases Public Comms, Others 02 Jun 23
Speech by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, at SingPost Open House on 1 June 2023 Speeches Personal Data, Infocomm Media 01 Jun 23
Developing Singapore into an Open and Trusted Global AI Hub Press Releases Cyber Security, Digital Readiness 31 May 23
Speech by Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information at the “Overcoming the Financial Sector’s AIDA Talent Shortage: Roadmap for 2023 and Beyond” event on 22 May 2023 Speeches Digital Defence, Cyber Security, Digital Readiness 22 May 23
Speech by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, at the launch of "Stewardship of the Singapore Media Staying on Course" on 16 May 2023 Speeches Others, Infocomm Media 16 May 23
MCI Response to PQ on Steps to Protect Consumers and Businesses from Losses due to Disruption of Digital Services by Service Providers Parliament QAs Digital Readiness, Digital Defence 09 May 23
MCI Response to PQ on Ensuring Development and Maintenance of Ethical Artificial Intelligence Standards Parliament QAs Cyber Security, Digital Readiness 09 May 23
MCI Response to PQ on Regulatory Framework for Artificial Intelligence Governance in Singapore Parliament QAs Cyber Security, Government Technology 21 Apr 23
Transcript of Welcome Remarks by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, at SingPost’s Buka Puasa on 13 Apr 2023 Speeches Others 13 Apr 23
Addendum to the President's Address Speeches, Parliament QAs Cyber Security, Digital Readiness, Infocomm Media, Public Comms, Libraries 12 Apr 23
Transcript of Comments Made by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity, at Panel Session on “Cyber Strategy and Digital Governance – Protecting Sovereignty and Building Resilience” of The Sydney Dialogue, on 5 Apr 2023 Speeches Cyber Security, Government Technology, Infocomm Media 05 Apr 23
Transcript of Opening Remarks by Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, at the public engagement on Launch at Punggol Regional Library, on 3 April 2023 Speeches Libraries 03 Apr 23
Speech by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, at the launch of the 2023 Edition of Dell’s MentorConnect Programme on 31 March 2023 Speeches Cyber Security, Digital Defence, Digital Readiness, Others 31 Mar 23
MCI Response to PQ on Reports of Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act Offences Related to COVID-19 Parliament QAs Public Comms, Others, Cyber Security 22 Mar 23
MCI Response to PQ on Guidelines on Use of Vernacular Languages for Wayfinding Signs and Public Address Systems in Healthcare Institutions and MRT Stations Parliament QAs Public Comms 21 Mar 23
MCI Response to PQ on Local Workforce's Ability to Meet Current Demand for Artificial Intelligence Skills Parliament QAs Cyber Security, Digital Readiness 20 Mar 23
Poll by MCI finds 7 in 10 Singapore Residents Positive about their Overall Quality of Life Post-Pandemic Press Releases Others 19 Mar 23
MCI Response to PQ on Training for Service Staff at Telecommunications Companies to Spot Possible Scams Targeted at Customers from Vulnerable Groups Parliament QAs Public Comms, Infocomm Media, Digital Readiness 03 Mar 23
MCI Response to PQ on Steps Taken to Monitor and Prevent Messages of Extremist Ideologies and Radicalisation from Propagating in Online Gaming Platforms Parliament QAs Infocomm Media, Public Comms 03 Mar 23
MCI Response to PQ on Number of Requests to View Government Records Yet to be Declassified Since 2010 Parliament QAs Libraries, Public Comms, Personal Data, Others 01 Mar 23
Speech by Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, at the Ministry of Communications and Information Committee of Supply Debate on 28 February 2023 Speeches Cyber Security, Digital Defence, Digital Readiness, Government Technology, Infocomm Media, Libraries, Personal Data, Public Comms 28 Feb 23
Speech by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State Ministry of Communications and Information at the Ministry of Communications and Information,Committee of Supply Debate on 28 February 2023 Speeches Cyber Security, Digital Defence, Digital Readiness, Government Technology, Infocomm Media, Libraries, Personal Data, Public Comms, Others 28 Feb 23
Speech by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister of Communications and Information, at the Ministry of Communications and Information Committee of Supply Debate on 28 February 2023 Speeches Cyber Security, Digital Defence, Digital Readiness, Government Technology, Infocomm Media, Libraries, Personal Data, Public Comms 28 Feb 23
Empowering Our Businesses and Individuals in a Digital World Press Releases Others, Cyber Security, Digital Defence, Digital Readiness, Government Technology, Infocomm Media, Libraries, Personal Data, Public Comms 28 Feb 23