Singapore's Online Safety Commission Orders TikTok Post Removal Linked to Faishal Case

Singapore, Singapore Jul 29, 2026 ALN: A TikTok post that claimed a fitness instructor was involved in the resignation of former Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim has been removed following an order from the newly established Online Safety Commission (OSC). This incident highlights the ongoing issues of misinformation and online harassment that have increasingly become a concern in today's digital landscape.

The OSC, which began operations on June 29, 2023, serves as a one-stop agency designed to assist victims of online harms in securing swift content takedowns and restricting the accounts of offenders. The formation of this commission reflects Singapore's commitment to addressing the growing challenges posed by online threats and ensuring a safer digital environment for its citizens.

A complaint regarding the TikTok post and other related content was lodged on July 28, according to a spokesperson for the OSC. In response to queries from local media, the spokesperson stated, "Following assessment of the report and determination that online harmful activity had taken place, the OSC took action in relation to the post, which was no longer available as of the evening of July 28." This swift action underscores the OSC's role in addressing online misinformation and protecting individuals from reputational harm.

The OSC has indicated that it is currently investigating other content identified in the report and will take appropriate action where necessary. However, the commission did not disclose the identity of the complainant, which is consistent with practices aimed at protecting the privacy of individuals who report online harms.

In a separate development, the fitness instructor in question, Rasidah Caudal, has publicly rejected allegations that she was the woman involved in Faishal’s resignation. In an Instagram post dated July 27, Caudal clarified that her only interactions with Faishal were during two fitness events at Kampung Ubi Community Centre. Her post included a screenshot of a message sent by an unknown individual on Telegram, which falsely claimed that she was responsible for Faishal’s resignation.

In a related Facebook post on the same day, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad addressed the situation, stating that a woman had been wrongly identified as the person involved in Faishal’s case and had been subjected to false accusations and abusive comments. Zaqy emphasized that no innocent person should endure harassment stemming from unfounded speculation, highlighting the serious implications of misinformation in the digital age.

Zaqy Mohamad took over the role of acting minister on July 20, following Faishal’s resignation from politics due to inappropriate interactions with an unidentified woman. This situation has raised concerns about the impact of such allegations on individuals' lives and the importance of responsible communication online. Zaqy noted, "Many of us are still trying to come to terms with the hurt and disappointment of recent events. But even then, we should not cause the same pain to others," reinforcing the need for empathy and accountability in online discourse.

Since the OSC commenced operations in June, approximately 200 cases of online harm have been reported to the commission. These cases encompass a wide range of issues, including two incidents involving children whose phone numbers and photos were posted online, as well as an individual whose intimate recording was uploaded to a pornographic website without their consent. Such cases illustrate the diverse and serious nature of online harms that the OSC is tasked with addressing.

The OSC is currently focused on tackling five of the most prevalent and serious forms of online harm: intimate image abuse, image-based child abuse, doxing, online harassment, and online stalking. These areas have been identified as critical due to their potential to cause significant harm to individuals and their reputations. In addition to these five types of online harm, the OSC has indicated that it will address eight other forms, such as online impersonation and deepfake abuse, at a later stage. This phased approach allows the commission to prioritize its resources effectively while still expanding its scope of operations over time.

Victims of online harm can report incidents directly on the OSC’s website, providing their identity information, a detailed description of the incident, and any supporting documents, such as screenshots. Reports can also be made on behalf of victims, which is particularly important for cases involving minors or vulnerable individuals. Parents and guardians must provide proof of their relationship to the victim, while other representatives are required to submit a signed authorization form along with the victim's identification document.

Once a report is submitted, the OSC will assess whether online harm has occurred. The commission has the authority to issue directives to the perpetrator, the administrator of any online group or page involved, or the platform hosting the content. These directives may include orders to remove the harmful content or restrict the perpetrator's account. Furthermore, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube may also be directed to disable access to identical copies of the offending material, thereby preventing further dissemination of harmful content.

Victims will be kept informed about the progress of their cases and any directions issued by the OSC. Additionally, the police and selected social service agencies have been briefed to refer victims to the OSC when appropriate, ensuring that those affected by online harm receive the support they need.

The establishment of the OSC and its proactive approach to online safety represent a significant step forward in Singapore's efforts to combat online harms. As digital communication continues to evolve, the need for robust mechanisms to protect individuals from misinformation, harassment, and other forms of online abuse becomes increasingly urgent. The OSC's actions in the Faishal case serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked online speculation and the importance of maintaining a respectful and responsible online community.