Digital & technology

Yip Hon Weng raised several questions regarding cyberbullying, including its definition, reporting avenues for victims, enforcement actions against underaged perpetrators, and tools for identifying anonymous bullies. Josephine Teo responded by emphasizing the government's commitment to addressing online harms and outlined measures under the Broadcasting Act that require designated social media services to enhance online safety for children. These services must comply with the Online Safety Code, report incidents of cyberbullying, and take timely action on reports. Victims can apply for Protection Orders under the Protection from Harassment Act, with serious penalties for offenders breaching these orders. The government plans to introduce further legislation and a dedicated agency to better support victims of online harms in the future.

He Ting Ru asked about research on gender gaps in AI adoption rates in Singapore, particularly in generative AI, and whether certain groups are reluctant to adopt these technologies. Rahayu Mahzam acknowledged global gender disparities but noted that Singaporean women are performing better, comprising 40% of the tech workforce, and 47% of GenAI users are female. Initiatives like SkillsFuture AI training courses, Code for Fun modules for schools, and public outreach programs aim to encourage AI adoption across various groups, with efforts to provide tailored support. He Ting Ru inquired about efforts to engage reluctant groups and tracking participant data by demographics, to which Rahayu Mahzam confirmed the importance of accessibility and support for underrepresented groups.

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim questioned the Minister for Health about measures yet to be rolled out under the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy, requesting a timetable for their introduction. Dr Janil Puthucheary responded that new initiatives include a National Mental Health Helpline and Textline service set for mid-2025, as well as a Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media due in the first half of 2025. He confirmed ongoing partnerships with tech companies to develop regulatory frameworks for social media and teletherapy platforms. The Ministry of Health is also exploring the use of telemedicine and teletherapy services for broader applications in mental health support.

Tan Wu Meng questioned the Minister for Digital Development and Information about whether postal service providers like SingPost are required to meet service availability standards in HDB heartlands, especially regarding alternatives during post office closures. The Senior Minister of State confirmed that current service arrangements are based on contracts, not availability standards, and mentioned that alternative service points are being introduced, such as POPStations and SAM kiosks nearby closed post offices. Tan Wu Meng raised concerns about SingPost's communication regarding service changes and the need for better access for residents, particularly those who are less digitally savvy. The Senior Minister acknowledged these concerns and stated that efforts are being made to maintain service accessibility for all residents.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if the Ministry of Transport is studying the EU mandate for Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology in new vehicles to reduce road accidents. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that the LTA is aware of the EU's requirement for ISA systems in newly registered vehicles starting July 2024. Various ISA systems are under review by EU authorities for effectiveness and reliability. The LTA will continue to monitor international developments in vehicle technologies to enhance road safety.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked about the ability of workers on Special Passes to hold Singpass accounts and access the Ministry of Manpower's eServices portal for checking claims. Tan See Leng responded that migrant workers with Special Passes can access Singpass accounts and use the EmPOWER platform for tracking salary and work injury claims. However, stateless persons with Special Passes do not have Singpass accounts. Workers without Singpass accounts can seek assistance from their case officers.

Hazel Poa questioned the criteria used by the Government for issuing correction directions under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) when factual errors are identified. Josephine Teo explained that two conditions must be met for a Correction Direction: a false statement of fact must be communicated in Singapore, and it must be deemed in the public interest by the relevant Minister. The decision to issue a Correction Direction involves a detailed assessment of each case by the Minister and their team, considering the nature of the falsehood, its context, and potential public harm.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about legislation regarding the settlement period for funds collected by payment service providers and the management of customer funds on e-commerce platforms. Gan Kim Yong explained that e-commerce platforms are not directly regulated by the MAS but must be licensed if they provide payment services under the Payment Services Act 2019. Licensed payment service providers must transfer customer funds within specified timeframes: three business days for domestic transfers and seven for cross-border, with flexibility for merchants. Moreover, licensed major payment institutions must safeguard customer funds by placing them in trust accounts or obtaining guarantees by the next business day.

Sylvia Lim questioned the Prime Minister regarding updates on the implementation of the Shared Responsibility Framework for certain phishing scams and a compensatory framework for scams involving malware fraud. Gan Kim Yong confirmed that the Shared Responsibility Framework is set to be implemented this year, with responses to public feedback forthcoming. He noted a significant decrease in malware-enabled scams due to enhancements in blocking access to banking apps when malware is detected. The Monetary Authority of Singapore expects banks to treat customers fairly and provide support to victims of various scams, while emphasizing the importance of public education on cybersecurity and consumer vigilance.

Wan Rizal supported a Bill aimed at protecting the electoral process from misinformation by prohibiting deepfakes and AI-manipulated content that misrepresents candidates. Concerns were raised about the definition of "realistic enough" representations and the implications for private communications on social media platforms, with calls for clarity on enforcement and adequate monitoring during elections. Louis Ng questioned the right to request corrective actions against deepfakes, highlighting scenarios where a candidate might be positively represented, and sought clarification on the inconsistency in standards for defining offensive content. Josephine Teo affirmed that the Bill addresses the integrity of elections and holds both candidates and social media platforms accountable for misinformation, while also ensuring a balance between free speech and protecting voter interests. The Bill was subsequently passed without amendments.

The debate primarily revolves around the introduction of the Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) (Amendment) Bill (ELIONA Bill) to address the threat of deepfakes and digitally manipulated content during elections.

The Minister for Digital Development emphasized the alarming rise of deepfake incidents globally, citing examples from various countries and their impacts on elections. She asserted the necessity of the ELIONA Bill to safeguard democratic processes by prohibiting manipulated online content that can misrepresent electoral candidates.

Several parliamentarians raised concerns, including the bill's potential impact on freedom of expression, the clarity of definitions regarding manipulated content, and the challenges of enforcement, particularly in private communications or messaging apps. They also called for considerations of educational initiatives to enhance public awareness about misinformation and deepfakes.

Many members expressed support for the bill, recognizing the urgency of addressing the risks posed by advanced digital manipulation techniques in electoral contexts, while emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to ensure its effectiveness and fairness in enforcement.

• The Minister highlighted that the Lebanon incidents underscore the risks of compromised communication devices and the need to secure supply chains, which Singapore addresses through supplier clearance, transport monitoring, and equipment screening.
• MINDEF and the SAF employ a risk-differentiated approach to safeguard supply chains, including cybersecurity testing and collaboration with local agencies and international partners to share intelligence on vulnerabilities.
• The Ministry will continue reviewing and improving its safeguards, taking a comprehensive view across the supply chain and engaging with relevant agencies to ensure Singapore's security is not compromised.

• Patrick Tay inquired whether the Ministry of Education will provide translation tools for digital resources like Parent Kits and Parents Gateway to assist parents and caregivers whose first language is not English.
• Chan Chun Sing responded that parents can already use device translation functions and free apps to translate text or scan images, and they can seek help from school staff for support.
• He added that the Ministry will continue exploring ways to make translations more convenient for parents and guardians in its digital resources.

• The Infocomm Media Development Authority requires mobile operators to provide at least 85% coverage within buildings, which includes first-level basement car parks, but not necessarily deeper basements or lifts.
• Coverage for second-level basement car parks and below is not mandated, as these areas often have transient footfall, and building owners may need to engage operators commercially for such coverage.
• The government’s current framework focuses on high-usage areas, and while efforts continue to improve overall network quality, extending coverage to all underground spaces is not a blanket requirement.

• The Ministry of Education is increasing support for students with Special Educational Needs by growing the number of SEN officers in mainstream schools from 450 in 2017 to about 680 in 2024 and training teachers to better assist these students.
• Students with more severe needs are placed in Special Education schools with enhanced government funding and resources, and MOE collaborates with social service agencies to improve teacher and professional capabilities.
• MOE leverages technology such as assistive devices and AI features in the Singapore Student Learning Space to aid learning for SEN students, with ongoing efforts to adopt useful technological developments.

• Dr Wan Rizal asked about preventive strategies for youth mental health issues like social media use and body image concerns, and how schools are supported to implement them, as well as targeted measures for rising severe symptoms and equitable access for disadvantaged youths.
• Minister Ong Ye Kung outlined upstream efforts, including mental health education in school curricula, student development experiences, and peer support structures, aligned with the study's protective factors like resilience and social support.
• To ensure accessibility, Youth Community Outreach Teams and Youth Integrated Teams provide free mental health services to youths aged 12-25, with plans to expand to 15 teams by 2030 and extend services to all polyclinics and Healthier SG clinics.
• Future measures include a National Mental Health Helpline and Textline service in mid-2025 for psychological first aid, a Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media in early 2025, and studies on age assurance to protect youths from inappropriate online content.

• The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has established Technical References and an Accreditation Programme to standardise and equip the industry for using drones in building facade inspections, which improves productivity, safety, and cost-efficiency.
• The government is exploring broader use of drones for building maintenance, such as cleaning with robotics, and is partnering with agencies and research institutes to develop new applications while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Approval processes for drone use involve both BCA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), with a "green lane" for lower-risk activities typically processed within three working days, though timelines can vary based on the service provider's track record.
• While the government aims to streamline approvals, contractors have reported longer wait times in practice, prompting suggestions for blanket approvals for routine localised inspections, such as for HDB town repairs.
• The government remains open to addressing specific issues raised by members and continues to review regulations to enhance efficiency without compromising safety and security.

Derrick Goh raised concerns about the Monetary Authority of Singapore's assessment of Worldcoin regarding risks related to data privacy, scams, and cryptocurrencies, as well as measures to deter related criminal activities. Gan Kim Yong responded that these issues were addressed in a previous parliamentary reply to another member. Further details were provided in the Official Report on regulations concerning the sale of WorldCoin accounts.

Rachel Ong requested data on reports of errant users of personal mobility devices from 2019 to 2023 via the MyTransport app, the percentage of incidents reported, alternatives for reporting, and the possibility of integrating this function into the OneService app. Chee Hong Tat provided the number of reports received annually, totaling 3,093 in 2019, 3,402 in 2020, but decreasing to 747 in 2023, which constitutes about 36% of overall reports. The public can also report incidents through the OneService app, by calling the LTA hotline, or by using a feedback form on the LTA website.

Hazel Poa questioned the Minister for Digital Development and Information about the Cyber Security Agency’s (CSA) involvement in investigating the Mobile Guardian hacking incident from August 2024, and the roles of CSA in assessing other government IT systems' vulnerabilities. Josephine Teo explained that CSA prioritizes higher risk systems known as Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) and supports them during cyber incident investigations. Non-CII systems are managed based on a risk-based approach by their owners, who may seek CSA and GovTech's expertise as needed. A task force has been established to learn from the CrowdStrike incident to enhance the security and resilience of Singapore's digital infrastructure.