Which online platforms are subject to new rules on account misuse?

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Designated online platforms face new rules on account misuse

New legislation in Singapore will impose stricter regulations on several major online platforms concerning the misuse of accounts. These rules aim to combat the growing trade in fraudulent online accounts by introducing specific offences and applying them to a defined list of service providers. The affected platforms include widely used social media, messaging, and e-commerce services.
New offences target account misuse

The Bill introduces several new criminal offences directly related to the misuse of online accounts. These include the act of providing personal information to register accounts for criminal purposes, possessing accounts that have been registered using another individual's details, and the supply or receipt of accounts intended for criminal activities. These provisions are designed to disrupt the infrastructure used by scammers to conduct their operations.
Specified platforms included under the new rules

These newly established offences are specifically applicable to a list of designated online platforms. This list encompasses prominent social media and communication services such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and WeChat. It also includes short-form video platform TikTok, online marketplace Carousell, and major technology companies Google and Apple.
Stricter penalties for non-compliant platforms

Beyond the new offences targeting individual actions, the legislation also imposes significantly heavier penalties on these designated online service providers if they fail to comply with anti-scam directives. Under amendments to the Online Criminal Harms Act, providers could face fines of up to S$10 million, a tenfold increase from previous limits. Daily fines for ongoing non-compliance may reach S$300,000, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities are treating platform responsibility.
Enhanced powers for authorities

The introduction of these new rules for online platforms is part of a broader legislative effort to strengthen Singapore's anti-scam regime. The Bill grants authorities, particularly the police, enhanced powers to detect and disrupt criminal networks more effectively. This includes the ability to issue Disclosure Orders and Account Disabling Orders, compelling providers to share information and suspend suspicious accounts, thereby supporting the development of a centralised National Scams List.

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Which online platforms are subject to new rules on account misuse?

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