Singapore tightens anti-scam rules on social media, messaging platforms

Singapore is enforcing new anti-scam measures on social media and messaging platforms to combat the growing issue of online scams.

Starting from Tuesday, messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Apple iMessage, Apple FaceTime, Google Messages, and Google Meet will need to restrict interactions with unknown contacts. These platforms must obtain users' consent before allowing them to add unknown contacts to groups or channels and warn users about suspicious accounts. Users will also be given the ability to silence, filter, or block communications.

Social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will have to block suspected scam advertisements and verify advertisers' identities against government records. Additionally, financial services advertised to Singapore users must be offered by licensed providers.

E-commerce services such as Carousell, Facebook Marketplace, and Facebook Business will also be required to implement stronger login safeguards. Platforms have until January 31, 2027, to comply with these new regulations. However, measures against spoofing, or imitating the Singapore government, must be in place by the end of September.

Failure to comply with these new rules could result in financial penalties of up to 1 million Singapore dollars (US$782,500). Over the past five years, Singapore lost more than US$2.8 billion to scams. Home Affairs Minister Sim Ann revealed these statistics in parliament last November.

Cyberscam hubs, targeting foreigners, have been on the rise in Southeast Asia. Singapore, the region's second-largest economy, was particularly affected by online romance and crypto investment scams. Investment scams are a major concern on online messaging platforms, where scammers often use accounts unknown to the victim to offer lucrative investment products.