Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on the Measures to Prevent or Minimise Access by Singaporeans and Local Residents to Internet Websites with Information on How to Make Restricted and Dangerous Devices and Weapons

Question:

Mr Don Wee: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what measures are in place to prevent or minimise access by Singaporeans and local residents to internet websites with information on how to make restricted and dangerous devices and weapons such as bombs and guns; and (b) whether the Ministry has the capability to identify and monitor these persons who seek such information.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law :

1.   Today, the Internet Code of Practice prohibits content which is objectionable on grounds of public interest, public order or public security, or is otherwise prohibited by applicable Singapore laws. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has powers under the Broadcasting Act to direct Internet Content Providers to take down prohibited material, as well as direct Internet Service Providers to block access to websites that contain such material. However, given the dynamic and borderless nature of the Internet, we cannot realistically block every website with undesirable content.

2.   Specifically on the manufacture of dangerous weapons, in January 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) introduced the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act (GEWCA) to further strengthen controls over them. Among others, GEWCA introduces a new offence for possession of digital blueprints of guns or major parts of guns for 3D printing. The new laws will be operationalised by the end of this year.

3.   Over the years, we have enhanced our intelligence capabilities to detect threats such as radicalised individuals and terror groups, who may try to procure or manufacture such weapons. The public also has an important role to play. They can report suspicious behaviour by contacting the Internal Security Department Counter-Terrorism Centre hotline (1800 – 2626473), calling 999, SMS to 71999, or use the "Report" function in the SGSecure app.