Singapore’s new law targets WhatsApp, TikTok, and Facebook over scams
SINGAPORE, Aug 18 — Singapore began requiring messaging services to restrict unknown contacts and social media ser...
Singapore enacted a new law on August 18 to tackle online scams through major messaging services and social media platforms. The Online Criminal Harms Act requires platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Apple iMessage, FaceTime, Google Messages, and Google Meet to seek users' consent before unknown contacts can join group chats or channels. They must also warn users about suspicious accounts and offer options to silence, filter, or block communications.
Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will have to block suspected scam advertisements, verify advertisers against government records, and ensure that financial services promoted to Singapore users are offered by licensed providers. Facebook alone accounted for around 18% of all scam cases in 2025, according to the police statement.
E-commerce platforms such as Carousell, Facebook Marketplace, and Facebook Business will also need to implement stronger login safeguards. Platforms are given until January 31, 2027, to comply with the rules, while measures against "spoofing" – mimicking the Singapore government – must be implemented by the end of September. Non-compliance may result in penalties of up to S$1 million (RM3.2 million), the police warned.
Singapore, Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, lost over US$2.8 billion (RM11.4 billion) to scams between 2020 and the first half of 2025, according to Home Affairs Minister Sim Ann. Authorities have also stepped up public education efforts against scams, including the mandatory caning of up to 24 strokes for severe scam offenses in recent years.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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