Singapore is seeking to pass a new law that would allow it to issue directives aimed at preventing spread malicious online activitiesincluding blocking access to suspected phishing sites.
The proposed Online Criminal Harm Bill, first read in parliament on Monday, outlines five key directions that could be enacted when the government suspects “any website, online account or which online activity” is used for scam or malicious activity.
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For example, online service providers may receive instructions to disable specific content, such as web pages or posts, including copies of the content, so these not viewable in Singapore. They can also be instructed to block access to a URL.
App stores too, maybe instructed to delete the app from their Singapore store to prevent domestic users from further downloading.
According to the Interior Ministry, the proposed law could be applied to nine types of criminal offenses, including activities affecting national securityillegal gambling and activities that incite violence.
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Government directives can be issued as long as there is “reasonable suspicion” of an online activity being conducted. to facilitate a crime.
The department said a “proactive” approach is needed to combat the scale and speed achieved by cybercrime. It notes that corporations are increasingly sophisticated and that malicious activities can spread quickly online. “Compared to other specific offenses, a lower threshold of action allows the government disrupt scams and malicious network activities before anyone falls prey,” it said.
Singapore last year recorded 33,669 cases of fraud and cybercrime, which is 25.2% higher than in 2021, with more than S$660.7 million (US$496 million) lost to scammers. Phishing, a common form of attack for such activities, also more than doubled, with 8,500 scams reported in 2022 compared to 3,100 the year before.
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The proposed Online Criminal Harm Bill would provide the means for the government to take swift action against online content that is criminal in nature or used to abet criminals and disrupt criminal activities. move it before they can bad effect on usersMinistry said.
The draft legislation also outlines Codes of Practice that may require certain online services to have systems and procedures in place to prevent malicious network activities, as well as support enforcement actions against them. those cybercriminals.
If the risk of malicious online activities persists on the specified online service, despite the Code of Practice, directives may be issued to the service provider to take action. aim minimize such risks.
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The proposed measure includes an appeals mechanism for recipients of a government directive to request a review or cancellation of the directive.
According to the Interior Ministry, the draft law is part of the a variety of laws aims to protect Singapore from harmful online activities. These legal documents include Online Mistakes and Manipulation Act And Foreign Intervention Act.
The Online Safety (Other Amendment) Act also went into effect earlier this year, allowing the Singapore government to enact directive for social media platforms to block local access to what is said to be “serious”. The regulation also allows to cut off access to social media sites, if operators refuse to comply with the directive.
