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In a recent address, Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam outlined initiatives to strengthen Singapore’s digital landscape and online safety. The rebranding of the Ministry of Communications and Information to the Ministry of Digital Development and Information reflects the nation’s commitment to advancing its digital agenda, transforming both the economy and citizens’ lives.
However, as Singapore embraces digitalisation, it must also confront the associated risks. The online world, while full of possibilities, harbours threats like scams and other harmful activities.
Technology alone cannot fully safeguard us from these dangers. It is crucial for individuals to actively protect themselves. This requires a comprehensive strategy focusing on public education, building a trusted mobile ecosystem, and strengthening enforcement efforts. Achieving these goals demands close collaboration between the government, industry, and civil society.
Empowering citizens to navigate the digital world safely is a key priority. The Digital for Life (DfL) movement exemplifies cross-sector collaboration in promoting digital literacy across Singapore. The government is stepping up public education to equip citizens with the skills needed to be safe, smart, and kind online.
Earlier this year, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) introduced the Digital Skills for Life framework, which outlines five essential digital competencies. Since its launch, over 50,000 seniors and pre-seniors have gained these digital skills.
IMDA continues to expand its educational resources, offering bite-sized materials to help parents guide their children’s online activities. Topics such as screen time management and cyberbullying are covered on the DfL portal, ensuring that digital literacy is a lifelong journey.
Education alone is not enough to combat the rapidly evolving tactics of cybercriminals. Building a trusted mobile ecosystem is equally important. According to IMDA’s 2023 Singapore Digital Society Report, most Singaporeans own smartphones, including 89% of seniors aged 60 and above. Alarmingly, 99% of those over 60 fear falling victim to scams, highlighting widespread concern about online risks.
Public-private partnerships play a vital role in addressing these concerns. The Singapore Police Force’s Anti-Scam Command and the new Online Criminal Harms Act enable swift responses to emerging threats. The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) has also introduced the Safe App Standard, providing local app developers with guidelines to safeguard users against malware and phishing.
Further initiatives, such as the “Government” badge on Android devices and enhanced fraud protection (EFP) features, aim to protect users from deceptive apps. Notably, Singapore is the first country to fully implement these features. Although preventive measures have reduced the number of malware-enabled scams, continued vigilance from users is essential.
Addressing online safety challenges requires co-creating regulations with industry partners. The 2022 amendment to the Broadcasting Act introduced measures to limit harmful content, while the 2023 Code of Practice for Online Safety mandates social media platforms to safeguard users, especially children.
However, a recent poll revealed that 74% of Singaporeans have encountered harmful content online, indicating the need for more effective reporting processes. To further protect users, the government is developing a Code of Practice for App Distribution Services (ADS), commonly known as app stores. This code will include enhanced protections for children, possibly through age verification and estimation technologies.
In May 2024, Singapore launched the Centre for Advanced Technologies in Online Safety (CATOS) to spearhead innovations that detect and mitigate online harms. CATOS aims to foster partnerships that keep pace with the ever-evolving digital landscape.
As Singapore’s digital landscape continues to evolve, ensuring online safety and fostering digital literacy remain critical challenges. Through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on public education, Singapore is working toward a safer, more inclusive digital future. By embracing these efforts, Singapore can empower citizens to confidently engage in the digital world while protecting them from its risks.
