MHA blocks 95 social media accounts linked to foreign network

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The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has issued account restriction directions under the foreign interference act 2021 (FICA) to social media platforms, requiring them to block 95 online accounts on their platforms from being accessible to Singapore end-users.

The social media platforms involved are X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

The directions were issued after the ministry identified a network of accounts linked to Chinese billionaire Guo Wengwei and his affiliated organisations, the New Federal State of China and the Himalaya Supervisory Organisation.

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Guo, according to MHA, is at the centre of a vast network of interrelated media entities and social media accounts that disseminate disinformation across multiple platforms.

These accounts had published posts that alleged that Singapore is "in the pocket of a foreign actor", who was "behind the scenes in the selection of Singapore’s fourth-generation leader”.

In addition, MHA found that Goa's networks have demonstrated a capability to spread false narratives that are detrimental to Singapore's interests.

MHA added that there are grounds to believe that Guo's network can and may potentially harness 95 accounts to mount hostile information campaigns (HIC) which are targeted directly to Singapore.

HICs can undermine sovereignty and social cohesion. As seen in overseas incidents, they have the potential to reduce confidence in democratic processes, sow discord in communities, and undermine trust in governments and public institutions, added MHA.

Moving forward, MHA has urged Singaporeans to be discerning when consuming and disseminating information online. It added that Singaporeans should always fact-check the information to see if it is accurate and authentic, against a credible source.

Earlier in June, senior minister Lee Hsien Loong warned netizens not to believe a deepfake video of him.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Lee revealed that there is a deepfake video of him asking viewers to sign up for an investment product that claims to have guaranteed returns.

According to Lee, the video mimicked his voice and layered the fake audio over actual footage of the senior minister during last year's National Day Message. The scammers had also synced his mouth movements with the audio, added Lee. "This is extremely worrying: people watching the video may be fooled into thinking that I really said those words," said Lee in the Facebook post at the time.

"Please remember, if something sounds too good to be true, do proceed with caution. If you see or receive scam ads of me or any other Singapore public office holder promoting an investment product, please do not believe them."

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