Cyberstalking and Online Harassment Under POHA 2014 — Singapore
Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Singapore has a dedicated Protection from Harassment Act 2014 (POHA) covering criminal harassment (ss.3-5), doxxing, stalking, and civil protection orders (s.12). Doxxing was specifically added by the 2019 POHA amendments. The POHA Court hears civil applications including expedited protection orders for serious cases.
When does it apply?
- Repeated unwanted contact.
- Doxxing — disclosure of NRIC, address, family details to harass.
- Threats.
- Image-based abuse — see NCII page.
Filing a Cyberstalking Complaint in Singapore
- Block, mute, document.
- For criminal route, report to SPF.
- For civil route, apply to POHA Court for protection order.
- Expedited protection orders for serious cases (e.g., domestic / DV-related).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't engage the stalker.
- Don't post screenshots publicly before reporting — POHA / defamation may apply.
Common Questions
What is doxxing under POHA?
The 2019 POHA amendments criminalised doxxing — the publication of identifying information about a person with intent to harass, threaten, or facilitate violence. Penalties up to 6 months / SGD 5,000 (basic offence) or higher for aggravated cases.
What is the POHA Court?
The POHA Court is a dedicated civil court (within the State Courts) that hears applications under POHA — protection orders, expedited protection orders, damages claims. Simpler procedure than ordinary civil litigation; designed for accessible victim use.
When does it apply — cyberstalking and online harassment under poha 2014?
Repeated unwanted contact.Doxxing — disclosure of NRIC, address, family details to harass.Threats.Image-based abuse — see NCII page.
How do I report online harassment in Singapore?
Block, mute, document.For criminal route, report to SPF.For civil route, apply to POHA Court for protection order.Expedited protection orders for serious cases (e.g., domestic / DV-related).
What should you NOT do — cyberstalking and online harassment under poha 2014?
Don't engage the stalker.Don't post screenshots publicly before reporting — POHA / defamation may apply.