Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA)

The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) is a Singaporean law enacted in 2019 to combat the spread of online misinformation and malicious falsehoods. It grants government ministers broad powers to issue directives, such as correction directions or takedown orders, against online content deemed false and harmful to public interest. POFMA has been a subject of international attention and debate regarding its impact on freedom of speech and the press. Recent news highlights its application in defamation cases, where government figures have successfully sued media organizations. For instance, in a recent High Court ruling, Bloomberg News and a reporter were ordered to pay S$460,000 (approximately US$356,000) in damages to two Singaporean ministers. This case stemmed from an article found to be defamatory, underscoring the law's role in protecting individuals, including ministers, from perceived reputational harm online and its implications for journalistic operations within Singapore.