'Overrun by Indians' Anti-Indian posts under fire as Singapore acts to protect racial harmony

Singapore: Singaporean authorities have directed major social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube and X, to block a series of online posts targeting the Indian community and promoting divisive racial narratives.

The action was taken under Singapore's Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA), with authorities identifying 14 posts that allegedly sought to portray the country as being "overrun" by Indians and questioned the government's multicultural policies.

Government cites threat to racial harmony

According to Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs, the posts attempted to create tension between different ethnic communities by suggesting that Indian-origin politicians were gaining disproportionate influence and would favour Indian immigrants.

The content also questioned Singapore's multicultural model and portrayed the country's diversity policies as a façade designed to appeal to Western audiences.

Officials said such narratives directly undermine the foundations of Singapore's multiracial society.

Foreign-linked content under scrutiny

Investigations found that the content likely originated from a China-based online platform before spreading across multiple social media networks and websites.

Authorities also detected what they described as deliberate efforts to circulate similar material within Singapore's local online ecosystem.

However, Singapore's Law and Second Home Affairs Minister Edwin Tong said there is currently no evidence that any government coordinated the campaign.

Why the posts were flagged

The controversial posts reportedly used images of crowded areas such as Little India and footage from Indian religious festivals to claim that Singapore was becoming overcrowded with Indians.

Authorities said some posts used derogatory language toward Indians and Indian migrant workers, including offensive comparisons aimed at demeaning the community.

The government described the content as a malicious attempt to incite ill-will and sow division among Singapore's ethnic groups.

Platforms ordered to restrict access

Under the directive, Facebook, YouTube and X must take reasonable steps to prevent Singapore-based users from accessing the identified posts.

Officials stated that the content may violate Section 298A of Singapore's Penal Code, which prohibits promoting hatred, hostility or ill-will between racial groups.

Violations can carry penalties of up to three years in prison and financial fines.

Singapore's government reiterated its commitment to racial harmony and multiculturalism, stressing that all communities have an equal place in society.

Officials emphasised that migrant workers, including thousands from India, contribute significantly to Singapore's economy and development and should not be targeted by xenophobic campaigns.

The government also warned that it would continue monitoring online platforms and take further action if necessary to protect social cohesion.