Experts to discuss the rising threat of online hate speech and its implications for political expression.
SINGAPORE – On Saturday, July 8, 2023, The Asia Centre will unveil its latest report, examining how hate sites and online brigades are undermining freedom of speech in Singapore. The event, co-organized with The Independent Singapore and Wake Up Singapore, will provide a platform to discuss the findings of the report, entitled Political Hate Sites in Singapore: Flourishing Without Repercussions.
The Asia Centre, a respected research organization with consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, explores in its report the growing influence of hate sites that target activists, journalists, civil society groups, opposition politicians, and independent media. These individuals and organizations often face coordinated attacks, harassment, and hate speech aimed at silencing dissent.
The report highlights how Singapore’s government has used legislative measures to criminalize public criticism, creating an environment where opposing voices are forced to work within strict legal limits. It points out that those creating and sharing critical content are often prosecuted, as the state enforces tight control over both online and offline political expression, censoring or discrediting any critical material.
Despite such stringent measures, the report points to a resilient group of critical voices that continue to challenge the regime within the limited legal space available to them. These voices, however, have recently become frequent targets of hate campaigns orchestrated by pro-government hate sites and internet brigades.
The report also critiques the lack of action from both public officials and technology companies in addressing these issues. It argues that existing laws and content moderation policies fall short in protecting individuals from the rising tide of online hate speech.
In light of these findings, the report calls for immediate action from various international and local stakeholders, including the UN, political parties, tech companies, and civil society groups. Five key recommendations are proposed:
Monitor, document, and highlight cases of online hate speech in Singapore;
Engage with the Singaporean government through UN mechanisms to address political hate speech and uphold international standards of free speech;
Advocate for the amendment of laws that restrict free expression;
Develop technological solutions to better detect online hate speech;
Foster collaboration among all relevant parties to devise comprehensive strategies to combat online hate speech.
The launch event will be held at Palms Bistro (60 Anson Rd, #01-02, Singapore 079914) from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The opening speech will be delivered by Kumaran Pillai, publisher of The Independent Singapore, followed by a report presentation by Dr. James Gomez, Regional Director at The Asia Centre. A panel discussion will also take place, allowing participants to engage with the issues raised.
The forum aims to foster critical dialogue on the challenges posed by political hate sites and online harassment, raising awareness about the need for stronger protections for freedom of expression in Singapore.
