Second police directive expands facial recognition measures to curb rising impersonation scams
Singapore is tightening its grip on online scams, issuing a stronger enforcement order against Meta as digital fraud continues to evolve and exploit public trust.
Second Directive Issued Under OCHA
Singapore police issued a second implementation directive to Meta on Jan 27 under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA). The order requires Meta to strengthen measures against impersonation scams on Facebook. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to $1 million, with additional penalties of $100,000 per day for ongoing breaches.
Enhanced Platform Safeguards Required
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Meta must implement improved facial recognition technology and prioritize the review of user reports submitted from Singapore. These measures are intended to reduce scam advertisements, fake accounts, profiles, and business pages that impersonate trusted individuals.
Expanded Protection Categories
The directive broadens protection beyond the first order issued on Sept 24, 2025. It now covers additional Singapore government office-holders, with implementation required by Jan 31, as well as high-risk individuals identified by police, including previous impersonation victims who filed reports. Safeguards for this group must be in place by Feb 28.
Phased Rollout for Notable Facebook Users
Meta is also required to introduce facial recognition protection for notable Facebook users in Singapore. The rollout will be conducted in phases, with full implementation mandated by June 30, to curb large-scale impersonation involving public-facing individuals.
Results From the First Enforcement Order
MHA reported a decline in impersonation scams involving government officials after the first directive took effect. However, scammers subsequently shifted their tactics to impersonate individuals not covered under the earlier order, prompting the need for expanded enforcement.
Rising Scam Losses Drive Tighter Controls
OCHA, which came into force in February 2024, empowers authorities to compel online platforms to remove criminal content. Police statistics show that in 2025, more than 36,700 scam cases were reported, with losses exceeding $893.7 million, highlighting the urgency of stronger platform accountability.
The latest directive marks a critical escalation in Singapore’s digital enforcement strategy, reinforcing the message that technology platforms must actively adapt as criminal tactics evolve. Stronger safeguards on major social media platforms are increasingly vital, especially as online scams continue to affect individuals, businesses, and public trust across the region, including Indonesia and Singapore.
Sources: Straits Times (2026)
Keywords: Online Scams Singapore, Facebook Impersonation, Meta Compliance Order, Digital Crime Prevention
