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About Us

Who We Are

The Online Citizen (TOC) is an independent media platform committed to critical journalism, investigative reporting, and insightful commentary on power, policy, and society across Asia.

Founded in Singapore in December 2006, TOC was the country’s longest-running independent news site, known for its fearless journalism and principled voice. In 2021, regulatory pressure from Singapore’s authorities forced TOC to cease operations in the country.

Now based in Taiwan, TOC continues its mission of delivering fact-based reporting and under-reported stories from a new vantage point.

Our editorial scope has since broadened to cover regional issues that transcend borders, including civil liberties, labour rights, disinformation, and geopolitical shifts in the Asia-Pacific.

Our Mission

At TOC, we believe that independent journalism plays a vital role in any society striving for transparency, justice, and accountability.

We strive to:

  • Examine critical issues that impact democratic societies
  • Reflect diverse ideas, perspectives, and underrepresented voices
  • Challenge censorship and promote open discourse
  • Provide investigative reporting on matters of public interest
  • Connect regional developments to everyday lives

Our History

  • 2006 – TOC is founded in Singapore to offer alternative perspectives and challenge mainstream media narratives.
  • 2020 – TOC expands its coverage to include regional issues under the name The Online Citizen Asia.
  • 2021 – Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) suspends TOC’s class licence, forcing its closure in Singapore.
  • 2022 – TOC’s operations move to Taiwan under Miao Yi Infotech Ltd, restoring editorial independence.
  • July 2023 – TOC is designated a Declared Online Location (DOL) under Singapore’s POFMA law, barring it from receiving funding through key platforms.
  • June 2024 – Gutzy Asia, a spinoff launched by TOC’s editorial team, is also declared a DOL. TOC subsequently discontinues the Asia branding and focuses on rebuilding under its original name — with a wider lens from Taiwan.

The Present and Future

TOC is currently led by Terry Xu, with the support of a small editorial team and a group of committed volunteers.

While we continue to report on Singapore where relevant, our focus has expanded to include broader Asia-wide issues — particularly those involving freedom of expression, regional governance, cross-border trade, social justice, and the consequences of global power dynamics.

TOC is no longer limited by Singapore’s regulatory constraints. While some of our original channels remain designated as DOLs, you can still follow and support us on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, which are not restricted.

We remain fully committed to independent journalism — without fear or favour and without borders.