Singapore fines Indian-origin blogger for TikTok post allegedly using racial slurs. Singapore court cites reckless commentary as a threat to social cohesion. Manmeet Singh posted unverified claims against Minister Josephine Teo, prompting legal action and a SGD 6,000 approximately ₹4 lakh) penalty.
A Reckless Allegation and Its Ripple Effects
A Singaporean blogger of Indian origin, Manmeet Singh, was fined SGD 6,000 (approximately ₹4 lakh) on Friday after pleading guilty to charges of promoting racial disharmony through a video posted on TikTok in August 2024. The 57-year-old’s video, which accused Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo of making derogatory remarks against the Malay community, led to widespread attention and a swift investigation.
Mr. Singh’s commentary was based on content he received from an unidentified source and posted without verifying its authenticity. The claim that Minister Teo had made racially charged remarks during an interview with Chinese media sparked concern among her colleagues and journalists, eventually reaching the Minister herself just four hours after the video went live.
The Fallout and Apology
Upon realizing he may have been misled, Mr. Singh removed the offending content later that same day. He then published a follow-up video retracting his claims and issuing a public apology to Minister Teo. In the court proceedings, his lawyers emphasized his remorse, stating that Singh was “racked with guilt” and had no intention of creating unrest. The defence also noted that Singh’s social commentary stems from a desire to raise awareness, not from political or financial motivations.
At the time of the incident, Singh had over 9,000 followers on TikTok, a platform he uses to voice his views on socio-political issues. His legal team argued that his post was a result of carelessness rather than malice, citing his subsequent efforts to avoid politically sensitive topics and thoroughly verify future content.
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Balancing Expression and Responsibility
Singapore’s authorities took swift action following the incident. Minister Teo’s Press Secretary downloaded a copy of the video and filed a police report within hours of its publication. Singh was arrested in February 2025 and released on bail shortly thereafter. Prosecutors stated that while freedom of expression is protected, it cannot be misused to sow discord in a multi-racial society like Singapore’s.
The judge, while acknowledging Singh’s remorse, stressed the seriousness of spreading racially inflammatory misinformation, especially in a country that has long upheld stringent laws to maintain racial and religious harmony. Under Singapore’s laws, Singh could have faced up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.
The case underscores Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance toward racially provocative content, intentional or otherwise. As digital platforms continue to amplify voices, the incident serves as a reminder of the growing responsibility borne by content creators, particularly those commenting on sensitive topics. Mr. Singh’s experience reflects not only the risks of unverified claims but also the importance of accountability in the digital age.
About the author – Prakriti Jha is a student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, currently pursuing B.Sc. LL.B (Hons.) with a keen interest in the intersection of law and data science. She is passionate about exploring how legal frameworks adapt to the evolving challenges of technology and justice.
