Impact & Illegality
Non-consensual sharing of intimate images or videos—commonly known as revenge porn—is both highly distressing and illegal in Singapore. Offenders face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and caning.
What Victims Should Do
1. Gather Evidence
Take screenshots and download the materials as proof. Ensure the platform name and date of publication are visible. Use reverse image search to check for wider distribution.
2. Report & Remove
Contact the site administrator to request removal. You can also use stopNCII.org, which uses secure hashing to prevent further uploads across partnered platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) without storing your actual files.
3. Report to Police
To pursue criminal charges, bring all evidence to the police and file a report.
Criminal Offences and Penalties
- Distribution/Threat of Distribution (Section 377BE)
- Up to 5 years’ jail, fine, caning (or all three).
- Applies even if the shared material is edited to look like you.
- Up to 5 years’ jail, fine, caning (or all three).
- Distribution of Voyeuristic Content (Section 377BC)
- Same penalties as above.
- Higher punishment if victim is under 14.
- Same penalties as above.
- Possession/Access of Intimate Content (Section 377BD)
- Up to 2 years’ jail and/or fine.
- Stricter penalty if victim is under 14.
- Up to 2 years’ jail and/or fine.
- Harassment (Protection from Harassment Act, Section 3)
- Up to 6 months’ jail and/or $5,000 fine.
- Up to 6 months’ jail and/or $5,000 fine.
- Unauthorized Computer Access (Computer Misuse Act, Section 3)
- Up to 2 years’ jail and/or $5,000 fine.
- Up to 2 years’ jail and/or $5,000 fine.
- Obscene Films (Films Act, Section 29(3))
- Up to 2 years’ jail and/or $80,000 fine.
- Up to 2 years’ jail and/or $80,000 fine.
- Obscene Photographs (Undesirable Publications Act, Section 11)
- Up to 2 years’ jail and/or $10,000 fine.
- Up to 2 years’ jail and/or $10,000 fine.
- Electronic Distribution of Obscene Materials (Penal Code, Section 292)
- Up to 3 months’ jail and/or fine.
- If victim is or appears under 16, sentence increases to 2 years’ jail.
- Up to 3 months’ jail and/or fine.
Aggravating Factor: If the perpetrator was in a close relationship with the victim, penalties may double.
Sentencing Framework for Revenge Porn
A five-step framework determines sentencing, considering:
- Harm to victim (emotional, reputational, economic)
- Offender’s intent and planning
- Aggravating or mitigating factors (e.g., remorse, cooperation)
- Final sentence (may be adjusted based on other offences)
Other Legal Avenues
Protection Orders (PO & EPO)
Victims of harassment can apply for a Protection Order (PO) for long-term protection or an Expedited Protection Order (EPO) for immediate relief.
Civil Lawsuit
Victims can sue the perpetrator for distress under the Protection from Harassment Act. A civil suit may lead to a settlement, including compensation and removal of content.
Note: Defamation is usually not a viable claim unless the content is false.