Singapore blocks China- linked anti-Indian posts, citing threat to multiracial harmony

Singapore has ordered YouTube, Facebook and X to block access to 14 social media posts that targeted the Indian community and were likely traced to a China-based platform, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The government said the content sought to undermine Singapore’s long-standing model of multiculturalism and racial harmony, prompting authorities to issue disabling directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act.

The posts, which began circulating in online Chinese-language information spaces in May, allegedly claimed that Indians were becoming over-represented in Singapore and posed a threat to the country’s cultural identity. Officials said the narratives were inflammatory and aimed at creating division between ethnic communities in the city-state. (India Today) Singapore’s police directed the three social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent users in the country from accessing the content. The MHA said investigations indicated that the material likely originated overseas before spreading across multiple online platforms.

Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong said the content attacked the foundations of Singapore’s multiracial society and sought to divide people along racial lines. He stressed that every community in Singapore is valued and has an equal place in society. Tong also said there is currently no evidence that the posts were part of a coordinated campaign directed by any government, though investigations are continuing.

Singapore’s population of more than six million is predominantly ethnic Chinese, with significant Malay and Indian communities. Successive governments have promoted racial and religious harmony as a cornerstone of national stability, making attempts to inflame ethnic tensions a serious concern for authorities.

The ministry said the content may breach laws that prohibit promoting enmity or ill will between racial groups. Officials warned that foreign-sourced attempts to pit one community against another would be firmly rejected.

The latest action reflects Singapore’s broader effort to counter harmful online content and foreign influence operations. In recent years, the government has strengthened legal

powers to order the removal or blocking of content considered a threat to social cohesion, public order or national interests.