Online Criminal Harms Act 2023 · Updated to 15 Sep 2026 · Part 4 · Designated Online Services
20. Designated online service and related offence group
Official textFrom Singapore Statutes Online, unchanged
The competent authority may designate an online service of an online service provider as a designated online service in relation to one or more offence groups, if the competent authority is satisfied that —
competent authority
“competent authority” means the competent authority appointed under section 3;
the online service is or is likely to be used in the facilitation or commission of any offence or offences within that offence group or each of those offence groups; and
the online service or any online activity conducted on or through the online service can be accessed by Singapore persons.
The competent authority must give a notice of the designation to the provider of the designated online service, identifying the designated online service and specifying the related offence group or groups of the designated online service and the date the designation takes effect.
designated online service
“designated online service” means an online service designated to be a designated online service under section 20(1);
The designation of a designated online service in relation to a related offence group under subsection (1) may be revoked at any time by the competent authority; and the competent authority must give a notice of the revocation to the provider of the designated online service concerned.
related offence group
“related offence group”, in relation to a designated online service designated as such in relation to an offence group, means that offence group;
In subsection (1), a reference to facilitation of an offence includes conducting any online activity on or through the online service, where the activity is preparatory to, or in furtherance of, the commission of the offence.
online activity
“online activity” means any activity conducted by means of the internet, and regulations may clarify the types of activities that are online activities;
Terms defined in s 2
competent authority
Defined · s 2“competent authority” means the competent authority appointed under section 3;
designated online service
Defined · s 2“designated online service” means an online service designated to be a designated online service under section 20(1);
offence group
Defined · s 2“offence group” means the offences specified in a Part of the Second Schedule;
online activity
Defined · s 2“online activity” means any activity conducted by means of the internet, and regulations may clarify the types of activities that are online activities;
online service
Defined · s 2“online service” means the whole or any part of any service on or through which online activity can be conducted and which can be accessed by means of the internet, and regulations may clarify the types of services that are online services;
online service provider
Defined · s 2“online service provider” means the provider of an online service;
related offence group
Defined · s 2“related offence group”, in relation to a designated online service designated as such in relation to an offence group, means that offence group;
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Part 5
Appeals Arising from Part 4
Part 6
Orders Against Non-Compliance
Part 7
Part 6 Order — Reconsideration and Appeal
Part 8
Reviewing Tribunals
Part 9
Service of Notices, Etc.
Part 10
Powers to Obtain Information
Part 11
Offences, Penalties and Defences
Part 12