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CASE should take charge rather than let online vigilantism take over

I refer to the report “Sim Lim Square store’s practices draw furious response from the public” (Nov 6), about netizens exposing the personal data of a mobile shop owner.

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Tong Hsien-Hui

I refer to the report “Sim Lim Square store’s practices draw furious response from the public” (Nov 6), about netizens exposing the personal data of a mobile shop owner.

This form of online vigilantism is worrying, even if done with the best intentions, as there are no limitations on the possible impact of exposing personal information. Online bullying can even lead to suicide, and that would be disproportionate to the deed.

That is what the law is for: To let the punishment fit the crime.

Perhaps it is time to expand the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act and make the worst cases subject to criminal sanction. I share the concern of others that our laws and the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) are toothless when handling such errant merchants.

If merchants may not only lose their licence if found guilty, but also be prohibited from owning or being a director of any company after that, it would give them pause for thought before they try to rip off another customer.

CASE should also work less behind the scenes and more at the forefront, showing consumers that their interests are being protected, rather than let netizens act as judge, jury and executioner.

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