95 online accounts to be blocked over foreign interference concerns: MHA

95 online accounts to be blocked over foreign interference concerns: MHA
Guo Wengui is at the centre of a network of social media accounts and media entities that deliver disinformation across multiple platforms, according to MHA.
PHOTO: Screengrab/Facebook

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has requested to block 95 accounts across five social media platforms, preventing them from being accessible in Singapore. 

These accounts will be restricted under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021 (FICA), and applies to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X, formerly known as Twitter, said MHA in a statement released on July 19. 

This is the first use of account restriction directions under FICA since the law was passed in October 2021.

Between April 17 and May 10, 2024, a total of 92 social media accounts across the five social media platforms published over 120 posts containing videos on Singapore's leadership transition.

Investigations by the ministry found that the 92 accounts are part of a network linked to foreigner Guo Wengui and his affiliated organisations the New Federal State of China and the Himalaya Supervisory Organisation (HSO).

Three (of the 95) accounts belong to a Singapore chapter (Himalaya Singapore) under HSO.

"These posts were published in a coordinated manner and contained narratives which alleged that Singapore is in the pocket of a foreign actor, and that the foreign actor was behind the scenes in the selection of Singapore's fourth generation leader," said MHA. 

Lawrence Wong was sworn in as Singapore's fourth prime minister on May 15. 

The ministry said that there are grounds to believe that Guo's network can and may potentially harness the 95 accounts to mount hostile information campaigns which are targeted directly at Singapore.

Guo, a self-exiled Chinese businessman, was convicted by a US court on Tuesday (July 16) of defrauding his online followers in a billion-dollar scam, BBC reported.

He was found guilty on nine of the 12 criminal counts he faced, including fraud, racketeering and money laundering.

Delivering disinformation 

The ministry also pointed out a study by Graphika in 2021 which showed that Guo is also at the core of a "vast network of interrelated media entities and social media accounts" that deliver disinformation across multiple platforms.

The posts targeting Singapore's leadership transition aren't the only ones Guo and his organisations have addressed, either - his network was also observed to have posted a variety of other Singapore-related narratives.

"The network's coordinated actions and precedence of using Singapore to push its agenda have demonstrated its willingness and capability to spread false narratives that are detrimental to Singapore's interests," MHA said.

"The timing of the coordinated posts, which coincided with the period of Singapore's political leadership transition, is indicative of deliberate planning and actions."

Hostile information campaigns can undermine sovereignty and social cohesion.

And 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", said MHA. 

The issuance of the Account Restriction Directions to the five social media platforms means they are required to take "all reasonable steps" to terminate any functionality of their services that allows Guo and his network of accounts to interact with end-users in Singapore, said MHA.

"We urge Singaporeans to be discerning when consuming and disseminating information online," the ministry added.

"We should always fact-check the information to see if it is accurate and authentic, against a credible source."

ALSO READ: Foreign interference law invoked against naturalised Singaporean businessman

khooyihang@asiaone.com

For more original AsiaOne articles, visit here.

homepage

trending

trending
    JB mum forgets baby in car during shopping trip; cops, locksmith rescue infant
    Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over engine switch movement
    Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term
    Malaysian man strikes $4m lottery after betting on his, girlfriend's IC numbers for 3 years
    'I was so excited I wanted to cry': Fans spend up to $50k in auction to experience a day with Jackson Wang
    4 women arrested in Yishun for allegedly offering sexual services disguised as massages
    Singaporean who defaulted on NS obligations used fake Malaysian passports at checkpoints over 800 times
    This revamped Raffles Place food court has Michelin-recognised and cult-favourite brands - here's what to try
    OCBC Group CEO Helen Wong to retire end-2025, Tan Teck Long appointed successor
    'He was jealous': Woman allegedly slashed with knife for chatting with 2 men below Jurong West block
    Geylang petrol station employee, 77, dies after being hit by reversing car
    Heartbroken dad dies hours after teen son is killed in motorcycle accident

Singapore

Singapore
    • NDP tank hits traffic light: NSF responded with the appropriate SOP, says Mindef
    • 'We should not prejudge him': Ex-diplomat Bilahari Kausikan weighs in on Trump's ambassador-nominee to Singapore
    • Fulfilling a childhood dream: RSAF pilot enlists after JC, takes part in first NDP
    • 'I believe there will be more opportunities in the future': Fresh poly graduate who took up contract role on job hunting
    • Car overturns in Joo Koon collision; 2 taken to hospital
    • All 12 government parliamentary committees to get new chairpersons, 19 first-term PAP MPs included as members
    • Can Singapore run without air-conditioning or fossil fuels? We break down the innovations Temasek Foundation is backing for $2m
    • Chinese man with PhD from NTU, Masters from Oxford turns delivery rider after 10 failed interviews
    • Economic Resilience Taskforce unveils new business grant, support for workers amid global trade jitters
    • 'You need to do some homework': Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore under fire at Senate hearing

Entertainment

Entertainment
    • Ex-NCT member Taeil sentenced to 3.5 years of jail for sexual assault
    • Sheila Sim takes haircutting course after giving daughter bad trim
    • 'I could not possibly discard the embryo': Lee Si-young pregnant with second child through IVF months after divorce
    • High energy, strong vocals: J-pop boy band Be:First makes explosive debut in Singapore
    • US singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty to lesser assault charge in UK court
    • Tori Kelly reveals she is expecting her first baby
    • Jay-Z hits out at 'harassment' from man claiming to be his son
    • My Chemical Romance sparks speculation on new music with teasing clues on Instagram
    • Orlando Bloom breaks silence on split from Katy Perry with family photo
    • Nicki Minaj alleges Jay-Z owes her at least $128m

Lifestyle

Lifestyle
    • Singapore coffee brand Alchemist debuts 2 outlets in Japan, marking first overseas venture
    • Now you can get Springleaf prata in a cup - with curry - from a vending machine
    • Orh Gao Taproom, popular bar by night and kopitiam by day in Serene Centre, to shutter
    • Singapore Food Festival returns in September, includes SG60 Specials series
    • Kaya toast, extra cute please: Breakfast-themed plushies with a local twist at Marina Square pop-up
    • 'Definitely a big improvement': How Chery went from cheap joke to become a competitive automotive player
    • I try Springleaf prata in a cup from a vending machine - how does it compare to the real deal?
    • Cat A COE prices cross $100k mark again in first bidding exercise for July 2025
    • Sleeping on the job: This company will pay people $7 per hour to nap
    • Chanel shows haute couture in private salon setting at Grand Palais

Digicult

Digicult
    • Slim, sleek, but slightly too short-lived: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge review
    • World's best Dota 2 teams to compete for $1m prize pool in Singapore in November
    • 'Give a positive review': Hidden AI prompt found in academic paper by NUS researchers
    • 'Report 1 shop, another 10 appear': Hoyo Fest artists on copyright struggles
    • NTU penalises 3 students over use of AI tools; they dispute university's findings
    • Australia social media teen ban software trial organisers say the tech works
    • Disney, Universal sue image creator Midjourney for copyright infringement
    • Initiative by IMDA, AI Verify Foundation tests AI accuracy, trustworthiness in real-world scenarios
    • Under siege? Helldivers 2's latest city to be invaded by aliens could be spoof of Singapore
    • Honor 400 Series launches in Singapore with first free in-device AI image-to-video tool

Money

Money
    • Best credit card promotions in Singapore (June 2025): Citibank, DBS, HSBC, UOB and more
    • Temasek sees $45b rise in net portfolio value to record high of $434b amid global uncertainties
    • 'It's our grandfather's company, we won't sell', says Wong family as shareholders reject GE delisting bid
    • Japan, South Korea hit with 25% tariffs as Trump ramps up trade war in letters to leaders
    • Trump says alignment with BRICS' 'anti-American policies' to invite additional 10% tariffs
    • Regulators warned Air India Express about delay on Airbus engine fix, forging records
    • Higher seller's stamp duty a 'light touch' to curb property flipping: Experts
    • Trump tax bill averts one debt crisis but makes future financial woes worse
    • Seller's stamp duty rates for private homes raised; holding period increased from 3 years to 4
    • Trump escalates feud with Musk, threatens Tesla, SpaceX support

Latest

Latest
  • Who were the two pilots who flew the Air India jet that crashed?
  • Daily roundup: Ex-diplomat Bilahari Kausikan weighs in on Trump's ambassador-nominee to Singapore — and other top stories today
  • US wants South Korea to join efforts to counter China in shipbuilding
  • Effigies of refugees set alight on bonfire condemned in Northern Ireland
  • Asean agrees Myanmar election is not a priority, Malaysia says
  • Philippines' president to discuss tariffs in Trump meeting this July, top diplomat says
  • New Zealand braces for severe weather as storm threatens flooding
  • China offers to help resolve Thailand and Cambodia border dispute
  • South Korea, Japan and US conduct air drill as defence chiefs meet

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It
  • Climbers battle torrential waters after flash floods hit Mount Kinabalu; all 155 persons safe, says park
  • Jail for ex-auxiliary police officer who loaded 1 bullet and accidentally discharged revolver
  • Woman injured on SMRT bus after bottle thrown at vehicle shatters window
  • Singaporean drivers rack up over $17k in fines for VEP violations in 5 days
  • Roblox avatar and lantern: Star Awards 2025 looks that made us go 'huh?'
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.