Singapore has again
made global headlines, this time for the charges it has brought against OnlyFans user Titus Low for sharing sexually explicit content through the OnlyFans platform.
This is the first reported instance of the authorities here bringing a case against an OnlyFans user, and raises an important question: should other users of the platform should fear a crackdown from the authorities?
To add to the confusion and ambiguity faced by users of the platform, Minister Josephine Teo has stated that OnlyFans
will not be banned:
Not all content posted on OnlyFans is objectionable, but we must ensure that such content creation platforms do not expose Singaporeans to the risk of exploitation and abuse, especially our youth,“ Teo said in her written reply. "The government closely monitors developments in this regard and will take regulatory action where appropriate.”
From us at Singapore Internet Watch, numerous questions remain unanswered:
- To what extent will the authorities be investigating and actively persecuting the consensual sharing of sexually explicit imagery? (especially content not shared through OnlyFans?)
- How do the authorities decide what kinds of content are objectionable? Does sexual orientation play a role in the authorities’ decision-making?