Regulatory Framework for Social Media Platforms to Respond to Stop Scammers and Imposters
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the regulatory framework for social media platforms to address scams and imposters, as raised by Ms Joan Pereira. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam shared that the Police issued 6,000 takedown requests in 2021, with platforms usually responding within one to seven days. He noted that under the Broadcasting Act, the Info-communications Media Development Authority can direct the removal of prohibited material or block access to scam websites. Furthermore, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Communications and Information are currently studying regulatory enhancements to better address online harms, with recommendations to be shared in due course.
Transcript
37 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he can provide an update on the regulatory and enforcement framework to ensure that social media platforms respond in a timely manner and act upon reports of scammers and imposters on their sites.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Police cooperate closely with social media platforms to tackle scams. In 2021, the Police issued about 6000 takedown requests to social media companies for accounts believed to have been used in the perpetration of scams on social media platforms.
When scams are reported, the Police shares the relevant information with the relevant social media platform for their assistance to take down accounts believed to be used to commit scams. After reviewing Police’s requests, the social media platforms will typically take down accounts between one and seven days of the report being lodged, depending on the facts and circumstances of the request.
Under the Broadcasting Act, the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) has powers to direct Internet Content Providers to take down prohibited material, such as those which are objectionable on the grounds of public order or prohibited by applicable Singapore laws, such as scams, as soon as possible. IMDA can also direct Internet Service Providers to block access to websites that contain such prohibited material, including scam websites.
MHA and MCI are studying how to enhance our regulations to deal with online harms, including scams. We will share our findings and recommendations in due course.