The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has identified ten websites created by foreign actors that could potentially be used to mount hostile information campaigns (HICs) against Singapore.

In response, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has reviewed MHA’s findings and deemed it necessary to issue directives under Section 16 of the Broadcasting Act 1994 to Internet Access Service Providers (IASPs) to block these websites for users in Singapore.

These websites are said to be designed to resemble Singapore-based platforms by using domain names and familiar local features, making them appear more authentic.

While many of these sites simply aggregate news feeds, the concern remains for the authorities that they could be exploited by foreign actors to influence public sentiment or spread disinformation.

Websites mimicking Singapore content

Among the ten websites identified, two—zaobaodaily.com and singaporeinfomap.com—have domain names closely resembling legitimate Singapore sites. While these websites post Singapore-related content, the concern is that their domain names could mislead users into believing the material reflects official positions or local sentiments.

Another group of seven websites uses terms associated with Singapore, such as “Singapore,” “Singapura,” or “Lioncity” in their domain names.

These websites aggregate content that is nearly identical to that carried by foreign newswires involved in HICs in other countries.

While much of the content is harmless news aggregation, authorities are concerned that such platforms could potentially be leveraged to manipulate local narratives.

The final website, Alamak.io, uses a colloquial expression familiar to Singaporeans in its domain name and posts Singapore-related articles. Investigations have found that many of its articles were generated using AI tools, which raise concerns about the authenticity and accuracy of its content.

Notably, Alamak.io is noted to have published a story on 3 September 2023, alleging that Singapore had permitted other countries to conduct biological warfare research within its borders .

This story was, however, not issued a correction direction under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), but its presence underscores the platform’s potential to spread disinformation.

Broader concerns about foreign influence

According to the MHA and IMDA, the use of websites to propagate foreign influence is not a new phenomenon.

International cybersecurity researchers, including Mandiant and The Citizen Lab, have tracked numerous foreign campaigns that leverage inauthentic platforms to subtly sway public opinion. These websites, while sometimes appearing innocuous, may serve as a gateway for more harmful content or influence operations.

MHA notes that foreign actors often aim to manipulate elections, exploit societal fault lines, or undermine trust in public institutions.

While not all of the identified websites in Singapore have been directly implicated in such activities, the concern is that their association with foreign news networks makes them vulnerable to misuse for hostile information campaigns.

Mandiant, a cybersecurity firm, and The Citizen Lab, a research organisation focused on digital threats to civil society, have highlighted global networks involved in hostile information campaigns.

MHA pointed out that these networks often operate through websites that aggregate seemingly innocent content, slowly building credibility and an audience before introducing more politically charged or divisive narratives.

Government actions and public awareness

Given the potential risks, the Singapore government has invoked Section 16 of the Broadcasting Act 1994 to block access to the ten websites.

While the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021 provides tools to combat foreign interference, MHA notes that it does not currently allow pre-emptive action against websites.

Instead, directions under this Act can only be issued to social media or electronic service providers. The government is reviewing the Act to explore how it might be expanded to more effectively address the risks posed by inauthentic websites.

MHA and IMDA also highlighted that while some of the blocked websites primarily function as news aggregators, the authorities stress the importance of remaining vigilant against the potential for these platforms to be co-opted for more harmful purposes.

Even though no direct misuse has been proven so far, MHA cites the global trend of using such websites to influence public opinion as justification for taking a cautious approach.

The agencies further advised Singaporeans to remain critical when consuming online content. With foreign actors increasingly using AI tools to generate content and mimic local media, MHA and IMDA urged individuals to verify the authenticity of the sources they rely on.

This proactive approach, the agencies argue, is crucial in mitigating the risks posed by these websites before they can cause real harm.

SINGAPORE: Dr Chee Soon Juan, Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), highlighted the rising costs and the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase to 9% has widely affected businesses and reduced consumer spending, leading to lower sales and retrenchments.

This came after Orange & Teal, a café owned by Dr Chee and his wife, Dr Huang Chih Mei, announced on 11 October that they had closed down their second outlet in Marina Square.

The café, which opened in 2022, shared on social media that the closure was due to “rising costs,” while their Rochester Mall outlet would continue to operate as usual.

Dr Chee criticises Singapore’s “rentier economy” for contributing to economic downturn

In a video message on 22 October, Dr Chee Soon Juan addressed the closure of the café’s second outlet, noting that over the past couple of years, suppliers of coffee, cake, vegetables, and meat have been issuing notices about necessary “price adjustments.”

While he stated that he did not blame these businesses for their actions, he pointed out that they, too, face significant expenses and cost burdens.

He emphasised that these adjustments have been particularly noticeable since the increase of GST to 9%.

Dr Chee highlighted how this increase, combined with higher costs for supplies, rent, utilities, transportation, and fuel, has significantly contributed to inflation.

This inflationary pressure has created a double burden: rising costs for businesses and reduced consumer spending, resulting in lower sales and retrenchments.

He noted that these rising costs are forcing multinational companies such as Dyson and Samsung to either lay off workers or leave Singapore entirely, with UOB relocating to Kuala Lumpur.

Dr Chee also cited a report from Business Times, which revealed a significant increase in closures within the food and beverage (F&B) sector in 2024, surpassing even the pandemic year of 2020.

He criticised this downturn as a consequence of Singapore’s “rentier economy,” where the government relies on increasing fees and prices to extract wealth from the population, rather than fostering a productive and innovative economy.

To support his argument, Dr Chee referenced a recent study by Singaporean economists Professors Linda Lim and Pang Ng Fong, who described the current economic system as “inefficient, inequitable, and unsustainable.”

According to the study published on 15 October, this system’s weak productivity performance threatens Singapore’s competitiveness, economic growth, and living standards.

Dr Chee plans to corporatise Orange & Teal to fulfil his commitment as a full-time MP if elected

Dr Chee Soon Juan also reflected on his journey with Orange & Teal, expressing satisfaction with the success of the Rochester Mall outlet despite the challenges facing the F&B sector.

He mentioned that he had bigger plans for the café, which he would reveal in due course.

Dr Chee shared that the idea of starting the eatery was linked to his work with SDP over a decade ago, aiming to create a space that offered more than just dining.

He envisioned the café as a venue for passionate discussions, heated debates, and a place where minds and hearts could freely exchange ideas about life in Singapore.

Dr Chee described Orange & Teal as a microcosm of the Singapore he wished to see—vibrant, sophisticated, cultured, and built on open conversation.

He emphasised their efforts to keep prices low despite rising costs and called for continued support from customers to sustain the business.

Additionally, Dr Chee discussed his future plans to eventually corporatise the business and step back from daily operations as he prepared to honour his commitment to becoming a full-time Member of Parliament for Bukit Batok after the next general election, hinting at his intention to continue contesting in the constituency.