Singapore Orders Meta to Implement Anti-Scam Measures on Facebook
- tech360.tv
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Singapore has ordered Meta to implement anti-scam measures on its Facebook social media network. The directive targets advertisements, accounts, profiles, and business pages impersonating key government office holders.
Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to SGD 1 million (USD 775,698). This is the first order issued under the nation's new Online Criminal Harms Act, which commenced in Feb. 2024.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming stated on Wednesday that Facebook is the primary platform used by scammers for such impersonation, and that police have determined decisive action is necessary to curb these scams.
The Home Affairs Ministry found in Aug. that over a third of all e-commerce scams reported in 2024 occurred on Facebook. Facebook Marketplace was rated the weakest among six e-commerce marketplaces regarding deployed anti-scam features.
A Meta spokesperson stated on Wednesday that the company employs specialised systems, including facial recognition technology, to detect impersonating accounts. Meta has invested significantly in enhancing detection and review teams.
The spokesperson added that Meta shares tips on avoiding scams, offers tools to report potential violations, and has rolled out advertiser verification. The company also collaborates with law enforcement and pursues legal action against criminals.
Police statistics released in Aug. showed that government official impersonation scams nearly tripled. Cases rose from 589 in the first half of 2024 to 1,762 in the same period of 2025.
Total losses from this type of scam in the first half of 2025 amounted to SGD 126.5 million, an 88% increase from SGD 67.2 million lost a year prior.
The Home Affairs Ministry acknowledged that Facebook Marketplace has required enhanced user verification for selected sellers in Singapore since 2024. The platform also introduced in-product safety notices and anti-scam alerts within its messaging functions.
These measures were deployed following earlier criticism from the government regarding Meta's failure to establish safeguards protecting users from scams.
Singapore has ordered Meta to implement anti-scam measures on Facebook.
Meta faces a potential fine of up to SGD 1 million for non-compliance.
The order is the first under Singapore's Online Criminal Harms Act.
Source: REUTERS
