Singapore Blocks 14 Posts Targeting Indian Community Over Foreign-Origin Hate Content

Singapore has ordered major social media platforms to block access to 14 online posts targeting the Indian community , citing threats to racial harmony and its multicultural framework under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) .

The Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed YouTube, Facebook and X to disable access to the content, requiring platforms to take all reasonable steps to prevent users in Singapore from viewing the posts. Authorities said the material undermines Singapore’s model of multiculturalism and promotes racial division.

Officials said the posts formed part of wider online narratives circulating in Chinese-language information spaces since May, falsely suggesting that Singapore was facing cultural imbalance and was being “overrun by Indians.” Investigations indicate the content likely originated from a China-based platform before being reposted and amplified across multiple networks.

The material reportedly included selectively edited videos and images, including scenes from Little India and religious gatherings, used to support claims that Indians were disproportionately increasing in number or dominating public spaces. Some posts also alleged Singapore’s multiracial system was a “facade” and used derogatory stereotypes and demeaning comparisons against the Indian community.

Authorities said there is no evidence of a coordinated state-backed campaign, though the content appeared to have been organically generated by multiple foreign users and widely amplified online.

Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong said the posts were designed to divide communities by race and undermine social cohesion, stressing that all communities in Singapore are valued equally. He also reaffirmed that Indian migrant workers are important contributors to the country’s economy and society.

The government said the content may violate Section 298A of the Penal Code , which criminalises acts promoting ill-will between racial groups, carrying penalties of up to three years’ jail and fines.

The MHA warned against foreign-origin nativism and urged the public to verify online content and avoid sharing material that could harm social harmony.