Singapore tightens scam rules for messaging, social media and e-commerce platforms

Singapore's regulatory authorities have announced stricter rules for major messaging, social media, and e-commerce platforms to combat scams. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) issued updated Codes of Practice for designated online services, mandating platforms to proactively detect, disrupt, and prevent scams targeting users in the city-state.

The rules, which come into effect by January 31, 2027, cover online messaging and conferencing services, social media platforms, and e-commerce services. The new framework includes a Code of Practice for Online Messaging and Conferencing Services, an updated Code of Practice for Social Media Services, and an enhanced Code for E-Commerce Services.

Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Apple iMessage, and Google Meet will face stricter scrutiny, as they accounted for approximately 23% of total scam cases in 2025. To mitigate risks, messaging platforms will need to implement measures such as requiring consent before unknown contacts can add users to group chats, displaying account creation dates and locations for suspicious accounts, and providing users with tools to block or filter messages from unknown numbers.

Social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, which made up about 30% of scam cases in 2025, will be required to prevent the publication of advertisements that promote scams, including those using URL cloaking and other suspicious content. Advertisements for financial services targeting Singapore users will also face stricter checks, with platforms disallowing ads offering financial services unless the advertisers are licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

E-commerce platforms will also see tightened rules around user accounts and advertisements, as the SPF seeks to curb the proliferation of deceptive schemes on these platforms.