Why this happens

Intimate images shared inside a relationship survive long after the relationship ends. The most common trigger is a contested breakup, a new partner, or financial dispute.

Most leaks are first posted to platforms the perpetrator believes are anonymous. They rarely are. Account metadata, IP logs, and payment records routinely identify the source.

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 contact the ex partner before evidence is preserved and notices are filed. Confrontation gives them time to delete content and craft a denial.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Preserve all evidence first

    Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears, with the URL bar visible. The username or 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 leaked by ex 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 leaked by ex preserve?

Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears, with the URL bar visible. The username or account handle that posted the content. Any direct messages, texts, or emails from the ex partner referencing the content. The original image metadata if you still have the source file, which can prove provenance.

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 leaked by ex?

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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