Singapore orders social media sites to block content, likely from China-based platform, targeting Indian community

MALICIOUS EFFORTS TO SOW DISCORD

MHA said that it has observed deliberate attempts to spread more of such content in Singapore’s local information space.

These are malicious efforts to sow discord by inciting ill will against the Indian community in the country, said the ministry.

“This includes Indian migrant workers in sectors such as construction who are here to make an honest living,” it said.

“They contribute to Singapore’s growth and development, and are valued members of our society.”

The problematic content likely breaches Section 298A of the Penal Code for knowingly promoting feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different groups on grounds of race, or committing an act prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different racial groups in Singapore, said the ministry.

The offence carries a punishment of up to three years’ jail and a fine.

The Singapore government takes a serious view of threats to the country’s social cohesion and racial harmony, including from external actors, and will act resolutely against them, it added.

Mr Tong said the government will continue to monitor the sites very closely and will not hesitate to take further measures “if we regard it to be in Singapore’s interests”.

“More importantly, I think Singaporeans should also be discerning and careful with what they are consuming online, and also question the source or intention of such videos. And, don’t disseminate them if they may harm our social fabric or our social harmony,” he said.

CNA has contacted Meta, Google and X for comment.