Singapore invokes new Online Criminal Harms Act to curb impersonation scams targeting officials
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has until September 30 to comply with Singapore’s directive to implement tougher measures against impersonation scams or face fines of up to US$776,400.
First Use of OCHA Against Meta
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) announced that Meta must roll out enhanced safeguards under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA). These include facial recognition technology and prioritising user reports from Singapore to quickly remove scam advertisements, fake accounts, and pages impersonating government officials.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If Meta fails to comply, it faces a maximum fine of S$1 million (US$776,400) upon conviction. Continued offences could add daily fines of up to S$100,000. Authorities stressed that the directive underscores Singapore’s zero-tolerance approach to scams that threaten public trust.
Surge in Impersonation Scams
Between June 2024 and June 2025, scammers exploited Facebook to create fake ads and accounts featuring government office holders. During this period, SPF disrupted about 2,000 fraudulent advertisements and online monikers. Officials warned that Facebook remains the top platform for such scams.
Meta’s Response
In response, Meta said impersonation and scam ads violate its policies, adding that it removes them once detected. The company highlighted its use of facial recognition, advertiser verification, and trained review teams, alongside partnerships with law enforcement. “Scammers use every platform available and constantly adapt to evade enforcement,” a spokesperson said.
Wider Enforcement Plans
MHA also indicated that other online platforms could face similar requirements. It pledged to collaborate with Meta to extend protective measures to other public figures who may be at risk of impersonation. Authorities said further details would be announced “in due course.”
Regional Implications
The directive is the first of its kind under OCHA, setting a precedent for regulatory oversight in Southeast Asia. For neighboring countries like Indonesia and Singapore’s close partners, the move signals a stronger government stance against digital fraud, shaping how tech firms may need to adapt across the region.
Singapore’s action against Meta highlights the urgency of combating online impersonation scams that exploit trust in public institutions. For Southeast Asia, it illustrates how governments are moving to hold global tech companies accountable, ensuring safer digital spaces for citizens while setting stricter precedents for compliance.
Sources: South China Morning Post (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: Meta Singapore, Facebook Scams, Online Criminal Harms Act, Singapore Police Force, Impersonation Scams, Ministry of Home Affairs
