That said, the mechanism for public participation in Singapore’s plan to publish images of litterbugs is also unclear, as some netizens pointed out. What actions are expected from the public upon recognising litterbugs? Are friends and families, more likely to put a name to a face, really expected to “turn them in”? Is there a potential for conflict and the erosion of social trust if people resort to the type of “vigilantism” directed at pandemic rule-breakers?
Critics argue that broadcasting the identities of litterbugs could lead to unintended negative consequences, such as doxxing and cyberbullying. The fear is that the public humiliation might not only affect the offenders but also harm their families, potentially leading to broader social repercussions.
Given the personal and social costs involved, there is a valid concern about whether the punishment fits the crime.
Limiting public involvement in identifying recalcitrant littering offenders will help minimise the potential of abuse of so-called shame-based measures.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Baey Yam Keng also said in parliament that more closed-circuit television cameras will be deployed at hotspots that have higher offence rates and public feedback reports, in addition to increase the frequency and scale of anti-littering enforcement blitzes.
Only for those caught on camera that cannot be identified, will NEA work with community stakeholders to identify them. And only when there are still no leads, will NEA engage the wider community’s assistance in identifying them.
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Critics argue that broadcasting the identities of litterbugs could lead to unintended negative consequences, such as doxxing and cyberbullying. The fear is that the public humiliation might not only affect the offenders but also harm their families, potentially leading to broader social repercussions.
Given the personal and social costs involved, there is a valid concern about whether the punishment fits the crime.
LIMITING POTENTIAL OF ABUSE
Limiting public involvement in identifying recalcitrant littering offenders will help minimise the potential of abuse of so-called shame-based measures.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Baey Yam Keng also said in parliament that more closed-circuit television cameras will be deployed at hotspots that have higher offence rates and public feedback reports, in addition to increase the frequency and scale of anti-littering enforcement blitzes.
Only for those caught on camera that cannot be identified, will NEA work with community stakeholders to identify them. And only when there are still no leads, will NEA engage the wider community’s assistance in identifying them.
Continue reading...