Enhanced Penalties against Fake Security Threats and Public Education on Reporting through Proper Channels
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns raising penalties for fake security threats, holding social media platforms accountable, and educating the public on proper reporting channels. Ms Joan Pereira inquired about these measures, to which Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam responded that the current penalties under section 268A of the Penal Code are sufficient. He stated that offenders may face a $50,000 fine and seven years’ imprisonment, while the Online Criminal Harms Act allows the Government to issue directions to social media platforms to mitigate criminal activities. Failure to comply with these directions constitutes an offence, and the Minister further highlighted the SGSecure Movement’s ongoing efforts to teach citizens how to report suspicious activity through proper digital and direct engagement channels.
Transcript
8 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry will consider raising the penalties for offenders who make fake security threats; (b) whether social media platforms will be held accountable for such posts under the Broadcasting Act 1994; and (c) how will the Government reach out to the public to educate them on the proper reporting channels for incidents rather than posting on social media first.
Mr K Shanmugam: Depending on the facts of the case, a person who makes false security threats may be charged under section 268A of the Penal Code for communicating false information of a harmful thing. This offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment and $50,000 fine upon conviction. We assess this to remain adequate.
Under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA), the Government can issue directions to prevent online criminal activities, including activities which disclose an offence under section 268A of the Penal Code, from interacting with or reaching Singapore users. Failure to comply with the directions is an offence under OCHA.
Under the SGSecure Movement, the Ministry of Home Affairs and our partner agencies have been engaging members of the public on how to spot, report and respond effectively to suspicious activity. These messages are carried across many touchpoints – from direct engagement of various demographics to digital communications through the SGSecure website and social media accounts. We refresh our engagement and communication strategies regularly to maintain their relevance.