Singapore tightens anti-scam rules on social media, messaging platforms
The new rules under the Online Criminal Harms Act target services deemed to 'pose the highest risk of scams' in the country.
Singapore is tightening anti-scam regulations on social media and messaging platforms, as the city-state suffered over US$2.8 billion in scams from 2020 to the first half of 2025. The Online Criminal Harms Act targets the highest-risk services, with seven platforms -- WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Apple iMessage, FaceTime, Google Messages and Google Meet -- now requiring user consent for unknown contacts to join groups or channels.
They must warn users about suspicious accounts and allow silencing, filtering, or blocking of communications. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, accounting for about 30% of total scam cases in 2025, will block scam ads, verify advertisers' identities, and ensure licensed financial services for Singapore users. E-commerce platforms like Carousell, Facebook Marketplace, and Facebook Business must introduce stronger login safeguards.
Platforms have until January 31, 2027, to comply, with measures against government impersonation due by end-September. Non-compliance could result in fines up to 1 million Singapore dollars (US$782,500). Singapore has increased public education efforts against scams, including mandatory caning for serious offences.
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- Singapore tightens anti-scam rules on social media, messaging platforms economictimes.indiatimes.com
- Singapore tightens anti-scam rules on social media, messaging platforms freemalaysiatoday.com
