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In a commendable initiative earlier this year, the People’s Association distributed SG$500 worth of CDC (Community Development Council) vouchers to over 1.27 million households, with over 88% having claimed them since. However, amidst this generosity, there are crucial safety considerations, especially for those yet to claim their CDC vouchers.
A WhatsApp message circulating about CDC vouchers carried a link (go.gov.sg/cdcv) that raised concerns. It’s crucial to clarify – this link is not a scam. The inclusion of ‘go.gov.sg’ indicates a secure link created only by public officers. Nevertheless, it’s wise to exercise caution, as scammers may attempt to mimic official URLs. Always scrutinise the URL, ensuring it begins with ‘go.gov.sg’ and not variations like ‘go-gov.sg’ or ‘govsg-go.com.’
A disconcerting trend emerged post-voucher launch – listings of CDC vouchers for sale on online platforms, notably Carousell. It is advisable to steer clear of purchasing these vouchers on the secondary market. While the allure of obtaining SG$500 worth for $300 may be tempting, it opens the door to potential scams. There’s no guarantee you’ll receive the vouchers after sending money, making it a risky proposition.
Despite the initial queues during CDC collections, remember that vouchers can be claimed and used until December 31, 2024. Crucially, personal or banking details are not required to claim CDC vouchers. If people encounter suspicious messages related to RedeemSG or CDC vouchers, promptly contact the People’s Association, the police hotline or report online. Additionally, installing ScamShield on phones adds an extra layer of protection against scams.
Singapore is at the forefront of deploying cutting-edge technology to revolutionise citizen services, prioritising both efficiency and the safeguarding of privacy and security. Through innovative approaches, the nation is dedicated to providing seamless and advanced services to its citizens while employing state-of-the-art technologies to ensure the highest standards of privacy and security are upheld.
In response to the escalating challenges posed by harmful online content in the cyber age, the Singapore government is at the forefront of fortifying national cybersecurity measures. Prioritising the safeguarding of citizens’ data and privacy in an increasingly digital landscape, the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) has taken a proactive stance with the initiation of the Online Trust and Safety (OTS) Research Programme.
At the core of this groundbreaking initiative is the Centre for Advanced Technologies in Online Safety (CATOS), hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). CATOS is poised to become a pivotal hub, leveraging expertise from research partners, industry practitioners, and companies in the online trust and safety sector to counteract various forms of online harm, including misinformation and content manipulation.
Funded under Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan with an investment of SG$ 20 million, CATOS is dedicated to developing resilient technological capacities to safeguard individuals’ well-being and foster a safer digital environment. The program, scheduled for an official launch in the first half of 2024, will commence with the inaugural OTS forum, showcasing international OTS speakers and unveiling the first iteration of OTS technology solutions developed by CATOS, ready for trial and adoption.
CATOS has outlined three primary objectives to reinforce Singapore’s technology leadership in the online trust and safety domain: Harmful Content Detection, Societal Vulnerabilities Identification and Trust by Design Technologies. As CATOS takes centre stage in the fight against cyber threats, its initiatives signify Singapore’s commitment to fostering a secure and trustworthy digital landscape for its citizens.
This commitment reflects Singapore’s proactive stance in harnessing the power of technology for the betterment of its citizens, setting a global standard for the harmonious integration of technological advancements with privacy and security considerations.
