Monitoring Use of Telecommunication and Internet Services for Online and Phone Scams
Ministry of Digital Development and InformationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Murali Pillai’s inquiry on whether the Government plans to mandate telecommunication and Internet service providers to proactively monitor their services for scams and share information with enforcement agencies. Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthucheary replied that while providers currently monitor based on consumer complaints and assist in investigations, scammers’ sophisticated, overseas-based tactics necessitate a holistic approach. He emphasized that individual vigilance and public education through agencies like the Infocomm Media Development Authority are essential to preventing scams. Regarding supplementary questions on compliance costs and potential rules, Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthucheary stated that no new regulations are currently being planned. He concluded that combatting scams requires a multifaceted effort involving regulators, service providers, law enforcement, and the general public.
Transcript
8 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether the Ministry plans to impose on telecommunication and Internet service providers operating in Singapore a requirement to proactively monitor the use of their services for online and phone scams, take all necessary steps to deter such usage and promptly provide all relevant information to enforcement agencies.
The Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information (Dr Janil Puthucheary) (for the Minister for Communications and Information): Mr Speaker, combating online and phone scams requires a multifaceted and holistic approach, including in cases where scammers operate from overseas, and working with our international counterparts. Regulators, law enforcement agencies, service providers and even members of the public, all have an important role to play in combating scams.
Today, mobile and Internet service providers already monitor their networks for scams based on complaints from consumers and assist enforcement agencies by providing information for investigations on suspected scams.
However, scammers' tactics have become more sophisticated. Technological solutions are necessary but not sufficient. Improving public education and individual vigilance are, therefore, key to combatting scams. To this end, Government agencies, including the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Singapore Police Force, work with the National Crime Prevention Council to conduct public education and outreach programmes, especially to groups which are more likely to fall prey to scams. All of us must also do our part by helping to educate our loved ones about scams so that they will not become victims of scams.
Mr Speaker: Mr Murali Pillai.
Mr Murali Pillai (Bukit Batok): Mr Speaker, I thank the hon Senior Minister of State for his comprehensive answer. I have a few supplementary questions. First is whether the Ministry is contemplating any regulation to be put in place for the telecoms companies (telcos) operators and the infocomm service operators to proactively monitor the space for scammers.
Secondly, in relation to the cost of compliance, whether there would be any measure to ensure that the cost of compliance is not passed on unreasonably to consumers.
Dr Janil Puthucheary: Mr Speaker, managing this issue and managing the space have their challenges, given the many different types of platforms and services that are offered, as well as the fact that many of the scammers operate overseas. So, there is a necessary consideration on how we will interface with other telecommunications regimes and services. We continue to study the matter and there is, at this point in time, no regulations that are being planned.