Why this happens

Open source deepfake tools require only a single clear facial photograph to produce convincing synthetic intimate content. Any public photo on social media or LinkedIn can be the source.

Targeted deepfake attacks frequently begin in private Telegram or Discord communities and spread to public sites within days. Early detection through biometric scanning is the only reliable way to find every copy.

Legal framework in Singapore

Penal Code (revised) section 377BB (voyeurism) and 377BC (distribution of voyeuristic image or recording), inserted by the Criminal Law Reform Act 2019. Section 377BB: up to 2 years imprisonment, fine, or caning. Section 377BC: up to 5 years imprisonment, fine, or caning.

Singapore's 2019 Criminal Law Reform Act introduced dedicated voyeurism and distribution offences carrying severe penalties including caning. IMDA can issue binding directions to platforms under the 2022 Online Safety Act amendments.

Evidence to preserve

Do not: Do not amplify the content by responding publicly. Engagement increases visibility and may also be used by the perpetrator to claim consent or interaction.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Preserve all evidence first

    Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears. The username and account handle that posted the content.

  2. 2

    File the Penal Code sections 377BB and 377BC criminal complaint

    Report to local police or the national cybercrime unit. SHE Singapore can assist.

  3. 3

    Submit an erasure request under Personal Data Protection Act 2012 plus Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act

    Each major platform has a designated data protection contact. The request must cite the legal basis and identify the URLs. The platform has 30 days to respond. PDPC accepts complaints for non compliance.

  4. 4

    Run a biometric scan to find every additional copy

    Content posted to one platform is rarely confined to one platform. ScanErase identifies every current hosting location in a single scan, including mirror copies and AI generated variants.

  5. 5

    File TAKE IT DOWN Act notices for covered platforms

    Use your scan report to file the federal 48 hour notice yourself, in parallel with your domestic rights. The two regimes are cumulative, not exclusive.

Statutory citations to include in your complaint

Frequently asked questions

Is deepfake of me a crime in Singapore?

Yes. Penal Code (revised) section 377BB (voyeurism) and 377BC (distribution of voyeuristic image or recording), inserted by the Criminal Law Reform Act 2019 criminalises this conduct. Section 377BB: up to 2 years imprisonment, fine, or caning. Section 377BC: up to 5 years imprisonment, fine, or caning.

What evidence should a Singapore victim of deepfake of me preserve?

Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears. The username and account handle that posted the content. Any source images credited or visibly used, which proves the deepfake derivation. The video or image file itself, downloaded for evidence preservation.

Does Personal Data Protection Act 2012 apply to this scenario?

Yes. Personal Data Protection Act 2012 plus Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act gives the victim a direct erasure right against any platform processing the imagery. PDPC enforces non compliance.

What support is available in Singapore for deepfake of me?

SHE Singapore provides direct support to victims and can assist with both the criminal complaint and the platform removal process. Contact at https://she.org.sg.

Can a Singapore victim also file a US TAKE IT DOWN Act notice?

Yes when the hosting platform is subject to US jurisdiction. The 48 hour federal removal obligation runs in parallel with rights under Penal Code sections 377BB and 377BC and Personal Data Protection Act 2012 plus Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act.

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