POFMA Office orders Meta and X to issue correction notices over Sammy Obeid posts

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) has directed Meta and X to issue correction notices on posts by United States comedian Sammy Obeid after he failed to comply with an earlier Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) order. According to the ministry’s statement on 4 September 2025, the targeted correction directions apply to Obeid’s Facebook, Instagram, and X posts dated 27 August. The posts contained claims about the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the cancellation of his Singapore shows. The POFMA Office clarified that Obeid was required to append correction notices, not to delete his posts. These notices must provide links to the Government’s clarification on its Factually website, enabling readers to review both accounts.

Alleged falsehoods in Obeid’s posts

The ministry stated that Obeid falsely claimed that IMDA demanded multiple rounds of edits to his script, including the removal of all references to Israel, Palestine, and the conflict in Gaza. He also alleged that IMDA rejected his Arts Entertainment Licence application on grounds that he might deviate from his script. MDDI refuted these claims, stating that IMDA had no discussions with Obeid or his representatives about his script, nor did it request edits or impose restrictions. “Mr Obeid’s account of protracted back-and-forth interactions with the Government is inaccurate,” it said. Law Minister Edwin Tong had earlier, on 31 August, described Obeid’s account as “completely fictional,” warning that such statements could mislead the public and mischaracterise IMDA’s role.

Escalation of enforcement measures

As Obeid did not comply with the 1 September Correction Direction, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo instructed the POFMA Office to issue targeted correction directions to Meta and X. These platforms are now obliged to display correction notices to Singapore users who have accessed or will access Obeid’s posts. However, the ministry did not indicate any move to block access to his social media accounts at this stage. Checks on Obeid’s accounts on 4 September showed that correction notices had not been appended.

Legal framework and penalties

Under Section 15 of POFMA, failure to comply with a Correction Direction without reasonable excuse constitutes an offence. Individuals found guilty may face fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. Authorities also have the power to order internet service providers to block access to non-compliant content within Singapore through an access blocking order.

Video claim and government response

In addition to his posts, Obeid shared a video in which an unidentified voice advised him to remove content related to Israel and Palestine. He presented this recording as evidence of censorship. The Government has maintained that IMDA had no role in these alleged communications, reiterating that no requests for edits or objections to Obeid’s script were ever made by the regulator. The Correction Direction was authorised by Minister Josephine Teo. The ministry has emphasised that the purpose of correction notices is to provide the public with access to accurate information, not to silence opposing views.