INTERNET RELAY CHAT FACILITIES (Use by perpetrators of rape and molest offences)

Dr Toh See Kiat asked the Minister for Home Affairs (i) what is the number of cases of rape, or molest or related offences which resulted from the perpetrators making contact with the victims through Internet Relay Chat facilities; (ii) whether any of the perpetrators have been caught; and (iii) whether there is an intention to prosecute the Internet Service Providers for facilitating and abetting these offences.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs (Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, the first Internet Relay Chat (IRC) related sexual offence, an outrage of modesty case, was reported in April last year. As at end-1998, the only additional case was a rape case. The offenders in both cases have been arrested.

Although the number of offences resulting from IRC is relatively small, Police takes them very seriously because the victims were young. They were 13 and 11 years old. Police in December 1998 issued a press release to warn IRC users of the dangers involved in meeting strangers they have corresponded with on the IRC, and to remind parents to monitor their children's movements and educate them on the dangers of chatting on the IRC.

There was no evidence in the reported cases which suggested that the Internet Service Providers abetted the offences. The solution is for parents to educate and supervise their children, and for the community to take their share of responsibility to prevent crime, as new fads like the IRC will continue to have an impact on Singapore.

Mdm Claire Chiang See Ngoh (Nominated Member): In such offences when the victims voluntarily met with the offender, does this consent jeopardise the defendant's suit against the offender?

Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Ultimately, it is the act that is in question. If initially, there is consent to the meeting, a rape takes place or outrage of modesty takes place, that will still constitute an offence if the elements of the offence are present.

Dr Toh See Kiat: Mr Speaker, Sir, for the ISPs, because they have this added responsibility of making sure that the users of Internet use it responsibly, would that not be seen as facilitating the offences if they do not block such behaviour?

Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: I think the IRC facilitates many activities. Ultimately, it is up to the users to be careful what happens from the usage of the IRC.

Dr Toh See Kiat: Will the Ministry of Home Affairs consider making it an obligation for the Internet Service Providers to have some special service which would allow parents to block IRC services, if necessary?

Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Ultimately, it is a matter of education. We will monitor the situation. Dr Toh has also asked MITA an oral question on what is being done. Ultimately, I think everybody must be aware of the dangers of IRC. IRC does facilitate communication. So before we block it out, let it do its work of helping people to communicate. At the same time, all users, especially parents, must be aware of the dangers that can arise from their children's usage.