Online Criminal Harms Act 2023 · Updated to 15 Sep 2026 · Part 4 · Designated Online Services
21. Codes of practice — issue by competent authority
Official textFrom Singapore Statutes Online, unchanged
The competent authority may, for the purpose mentioned in section 19, issue one or more codes of practice applicable to —
competent authority
“competent authority” means the competent authority appointed under section 3;
any type of online service in relation to any offence group; or
a particular designated provider’s service in relation to any related offence group of that service.
The competent authority may at any time —
vary a code of practice (including by adding anything to it); or
revoke a code of practice.
If any provision in a code of practice is inconsistent with any provision of this Act, that provision —
code of practice
“code of practice” or “code” means a code of practice issued under section 21(1), and includes a code of practice varied under section 21(2) or 26(7);
has effect subject to this Act; or
having regard to this Act and the regulations, has no effect.
A code of practice issued under this section does not have legislative effect.
Terms defined in s 2
code of practice
Defined · s 2“code of practice” or “code” means a code of practice issued under section 21(1), and includes a code of practice varied under section 21(2) or 26(7);
competent authority
Defined · s 2“competent authority” means the competent authority appointed under section 3;
designated provider
Defined · s 2“designated provider” means the provider of a designated online service;
offence group
Defined · s 2“offence group” means the offences specified in a Part of the Second Schedule;
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;
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;
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