Singapore to issue Meta online harms order to target scams: ST

Singapore to issue Meta online harms order to target scams: ST

Singapore has taken a significant step in its fight against scams by issuing an order to Meta, the company behind Facebook, to address government official impersonation scams. The order, the first of its kind in Singapore, comes under the Online Criminal Harms Act (Ocha) and carries a potential fine of up to $1 million for non-compliance [1].

The directive, announced by Minister of State for Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming at the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2025, aims to tackle the rising number of government official impersonation scams (GOIS). These scams have tripled in the first half of 2025, with victims losing $126.5 million, a 90% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [1].

The order requires Meta to implement measures to address scam advertisements, accounts, profiles, and business pages impersonating key government office holders on Facebook. The company has been criticized in the past for its handling of scams on its platform [1].

TikTok, another designated online service, has also been listed and will have to comply with anti-scam measures by February 2026. The number of scam cases on TikTok has increased by 240% in 2024 compared to 2023 [1].

The move underscores Singapore's commitment to combating scams, which remain a top national priority. The government is enhancing its measures against impersonation scams and will continue to work closely with Meta to fight such fraud [1].

References:
[1] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/police-to-issue-meta-first-online-harms-order-in-spore-to-fight-scams-possible-fines-of-up-to-1m