Singapore's police force has introduced new anti-scam measures targeting messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Singapore's police force has introduced new anti-scam measures targeting messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The measures are part of new and enhanced codes of practice issued by the Online Criminal Harms Act Office to guard against scams and malicious cyber activities. The new rules will require providers of designated online services to proactively disrupt scams and malicious cyber activities affecting people in Singapore.
The messaging code applies to seven online services assessed to pose the highest scam risk. These include WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Apple iMessage, Apple FaceTime, Google Message, and Google Meet. Platforms must obtain user consent before adding users to chat groups or channels by unknown contacts and display contextual warnings for messages from suspicious accounts. They must also allow users to silence, filter, or block messages from unknown contacts.
Why it matters
The new rules aim to immediately reduce the spread of fraudulent content through messaging platforms.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch for enforcement actions taken against messaging services violating the codes.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.