Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Regulating the Sale and Use of Spy or Hidden Cameras so as to Reduce Cases of Outrage of Modesty and Violation of Privacy, by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law

Question:

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether there is a need to regulate the sale and use of spy or hidden cameras so as to reduce cases involving the outrage of modesty and violation of privacy.

Answer:

1. Offences involving the use of spy or hidden cameras that insult the modesty of a person are taken seriously. Those found guilty are liable to imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine, or both.

2. In this context, the Penal Code Review Committee (“PCRC”) has recommended introducing new offences specifically relating to the making, distribution, possession, and accessing of voyeuristic recordings. The PCRC has also recommended that offenders who make such recordings be liable to imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine, or both, and caning. This is a higher punishment than under current laws. The Government has completed its public consultation on the PCRC’s recommendations, and will be amending the Penal Code early next year.

3. It is quite unworkable to try and deal with the problem by banning spy cameras and hidden cameras. Mobile phones also come with cameras, and they can also be concealed to take secret photos or videos. We will increase the penalties and add new offences to try and deter the commission of such acts.