Debated in Parliament on 9 Sep 2026.
Mr Shawn Loh asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) whether the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) could review whether interactive pressure tactics during live-stream broadcasts, such as manipulated real-time stock counters, flash countdowns and automated social proof notifications, fall under actionable dark patterns and unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003.
Mr Alex Yeo asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) given the time-compressed decision-making for consumers during livestream selling (a) whether the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore's May 2026 enforcement action against online retailers that used misleading website features known as "dark patterns" extends to livestream sellers; and (b) whether the Ministry will introduce further consumer protection measures relating to social commerce, such as extending a mandatory cooling-off period.
Under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003 (CPFTA), it is unfair practice for a business to make false or misleading representations, or exert undue pressure on a consumer to enter into any transaction in both physical and online settings, including livestream broadcasts.
The usage of urgency cues by livestream sellers is not, by itself, an unfair practice. Features, such as stock counters, countdown timers and social proof notifications, may serve legitimate commercial purposes by informing consumers about stock availability, time-limited promotions or purchasing activity. Whether a particular feature is an unfair practice depends on the specific facts and circumstances, including whether the urgency is genuine and whether the information presented is false or misleading.
Consumers who have encountered potential unfair practices in livestream commerce, should approach the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) for assistance. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) will not hesitate to take enforcement action against businesses engaging in egregious unfair practices. For example, CCS took action against PRISM+ last year, in relation to problematic features on its website which created false urgency in order to pressure consumers into hasty purchases. The Government will also work with CASE to raise consumer awareness of unfair practices and help them to make more informed decisions.
Businesses and marketers, including livestreamers, should take note and abide by the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice, issued by the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore (ASAS) under CASE. The Code sets out detailed guidelines on ethical advertising and marketing practices via social media, and is available on ASAS's website.
In March 2025, the Government convened an independent Consumer Protection Review Panel to review key consumer concerns and measures, including those arising from online commerce and introducing mandatory cooling-off period. The Panel is expected to publish its findings and recommendations later this year. The Government will study the Panel's recommendations and consider the necessary additional measures.
PAPERCUTS