Oral Reply to Parliamentary Question on Details Regarding Posts Made by the 95 Social Media Accounts That Were Blocked on 19 July 2024

Question:

Mr Ang Wei Neng: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs in light of five social media platforms directed to block a network of 95 accounts (a) what were the reach of the posts containing videos on the leadership transition in Singapore; (b) whether any of the three accounts that belonged to Himalaya Singapore were operated by residents or foreigners stationed in Singapore; (c) whether there were additional posts initiated by the said 95 accounts after 10 May 2024 on Singapore’s leadership transition; and (d) what were the lessons learnt from this episode.

Answer:

Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development:

1. Mr Speaker, sir. There was low reach in our local information space.

2. After 10 May 2024, we did not detect any further posts from the network of 95 accounts carrying malicious narratives on Singapore’s leadership transition. Our investigations have not found any evidence that Singaporeans or persons based in Singapore are responsible for the 95 accounts.

3. This episode is a reminder that Singapore is vulnerable to Hostile Information Campaigns (HICs) because of our small, open, and highly digitally connected society. The ubiquity of technologies such as the internet, social media and artificial intelligence has made preparing for and carrying out HICs much easier. HIC tactics range from polarizing societies by exploiting fault lines and manipulating public opinion on sensitive issues, to undermining trust in government and institutions.

4. Legislative levers such as the Foreign Interference Countermeasures Act to prevent, detect, and disrupt HICs, are important.

5. However, this alone will not be enough. Public vigilance against foreign interference is equally important. We urge Singaporeans to be discerning when consuming and disseminating information online. We should always fact-check the information, to see if it is accurate and authentic, against a credible source.

6. Thank you.