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Singapore Orders TikTok and Meta to Block Ex-ISA Detainee’s Accounts Under Online Harms Law

Authorities invoked new online-harm powers to curb posts alleged to incite hostility across race and religion.

Overview

  • Police issued an Account Restriction Direction to TikTok and a Disabling Direction to Meta under the Online Criminal Harms Act to cut off local access to Zulfikar Mohamad Shariff’s accounts.
  • The Home Affairs Ministry says his content stoked discontent between Malay/Muslim and Chinese communities, citing examples posted in June and July.
  • Investigations into his other accounts are ongoing, and officials say they will consider further directions as similar claims continue on X.
  • The Online Criminal Harms Act, in force since February 2024, authorizes such orders, with non-compliance carrying fines of up to S$1 million.
  • Zulfikar was detained under the ISA in 2016 for promoting ISIS, later renounced Singapore citizenship, and previously had Facebook posts blocked for alleged interference in the 2025 General Election.