MDDI's response to PQ on Criteria Used in Issuance of Correction Directions Under POFMA

Parliament Sitting on 15 October 2024

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

13. Ms Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information what criteria are used by the Government to determine whether or not to issue correction directions under Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act when factual errors are published.

Answer:

Ministers are empowered to issue Correction Directions under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act 2019 (POFMA). Two conditions must be satisfied before a Correction Direction can be issued; first, a false statement of fact must be communicated in Singapore, and second, the Minister in question is of the opinion that it is in the public interest to issue the Correction Direction.

Whether a Correction Direction should be issued for a false statement of fact is a fact specific assessment made by the Minister within whose domain the falsehood falls. The relevant Minister, supported by his or her staff with the requisite domain expertise, will carefully evaluate each case. This includes the nature of the falsehood, its context and the harm to the public, before deciding whether a Correction Direction should be issued.