Digital & technology

• The government has implemented the Online Safety Code requiring designated social media platforms to protect children from harmful content through measures like restrictive account settings and content management tools, with compliance reports due by end-July 2024.
• Authorities are studying age assurance methods to better enforce age restrictions on social media, recognizing current reliance on user self-declaration is insufficient for protecting children.
• The government is adopting a holistic strategy to address social media addiction, including providing community support services like counselling and specialized programs for affected youths and their families.
• Upstream measures are being developed where the Ministries of Health and Social and Family Development will provide clearer guidance on device usage and screen time for young children across healthcare settings and preschools.
• The government emphasizes prevention by planning to make device usage advice more definitive and consistently delivered to parents even before a child is born, focusing on shaping early habits.

• The Singapore government imposed a three-year pause on data centre growth to study sustainable management, leading to initiatives like the DC-Call for Application that awarded capacity to operators committed to innovations such as liquid cooling and energy-efficient IT equipment.
• New standards, including the world’s first Tropical DC standard, are being developed to enable data centres in Singapore and similar climates to operate at higher temperatures, reducing cooling energy needs and complementing global best practices.
• The Green DC Roadmap was released to guide industry collaboration on pioneering energy-efficient solutions at hardware and software levels and accelerate the use of green energy, ensuring Singapore remains at the forefront of data centre sustainability.

• Don Wee asked if the Ministry would require CPF nominations for non-family members to be made in person at CPF Service Centres.
• Tan See Leng explained that the CPF nomination scheme allows members to freely choose any beneficiary, with safeguards such as witness requirements and additional checks for non-family nominees.
• Online nominations use Singpass authentication for both the member and witnesses to verify identity and intent.
• Members can update their nominations at any time and choose from in-person, online, or hardcopy submission methods for flexibility.
• The Ministry emphasises that existing safeguards are sufficient to ensure the member’s intentions are properly recorded.

• The ACRA Bill introduces a new contact address regime to protect individuals' residential addresses from public disclosure, replacing the optional alternate address system with a mandatory, cost-free contact address (e.g., an office) while still allowing exceptions for regulatory needs like due diligence.
• It empowers ACRA to send statutory documents digitally via a secure BizFile portal, requiring businesses to provide updated email and mobile numbers, with a one-year transition period to ease the shift from hard-copy communications.
• The Bill enhances ACRA's regulatory powers by allowing information sharing with government agencies and specified third parties, with safeguards such as data undertakings to protect personal data and ensure accuracy in corporate registers.

Christopher de Souza asked how the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) plans to boost the public's adoption of anti-virus apps to reduce malware infections. Josephine Teo explained that CSA promotes cybersecurity apps through public education, noting a rise in installation from 40% in 2020 to 50% in 2022. CSA has published a list of recommended cybersecurity apps and engages with communities to assist in their installation, receiving positive feedback. To enhance security, CSA collaborates with industry partners like Google to implement protective measures against malware, while emphasizing the importance of user vigilance and good cyber hygiene.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about the unauthorised access to a device management service provider's user management portal, questioning the steps to prevent future incidents and the Ministry's ability to enhance security independently or with agencies like the Cyber Security Agency. Hazel Poa asked for specifics on the number of parents and staff affected by the data breach and the measures to improve security on such portals. Yip Hon Weng suggested transitioning to a local company for better control of user information and questioned whether the breach was due to a cyberattack or unauthorized access, and how Mobile Guardian would be held accountable. Chan Chun Sing indicated that this issue was covered in previous parliamentary responses.

Yip Hon Weng asked about regulatory changes following the collapse of Terraform Labs, specifically regarding licensing, impact on Singapore's reputation, and preventive measures. Lawrence Wong stated that Terraform Labs was unlicensed and posed no significant risk to Singapore's financial system, as local institutions had limited exposure to cryptocurrencies. He highlighted that the collapse underscored the speculative risks of cryptocurrencies, prompting the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to strengthen consumer protection measures such as risk awareness assessments and restrictions on incentives for trading. Enhanced regulations will be implemented in phases, and consumers are reminded that MAS cannot prevent losses in cryptocurrency trading.

Tan Wu Meng raised concerns about safeguards against unfair or discriminatory hiring practices involving artificial intelligence (AI) systems and accountability for HR decisions influenced by AI. Tan See Leng stated that existing Tripartite Guidelines and upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation protect employees from workplace discrimination, including from intentional misuse of AI. To prevent unintentional discrimination by AI, the government promotes Model AI Governance Frameworks and provides tools for validating AI performance against fairness principles. Discriminatory outcomes from AI hiring practices can be reported to the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices for necessary action.

He Ting Ru asked the Prime Minister about electoral rules regarding recourse for candidates and parties affected by manipulated media or fake news during Cooling Off Day or Polling Day. Chan Chun Sing stated that the government opposes malicious media content and can take action under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) to correct and disable harmful content. Candidates and parties should publicly clarify any false content and can report offenses to the Police or seek legal action under the Protection from Harassment Act. On Cooling Off and Polling Days, while a ban on online election advertising is enforced, candidates can debunk false content as long as it does not qualify as election advertising.

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim asked whether Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0 requires AI technology providers to complete risk assessments before public release. Mrs Josephine Teo responded that the strategy prioritizes a trusted ecosystem for AI development and builds on the AI Model Governance Framework established in 2019, which offers best practices for governance. The government supports organizations in managing AI risks through tools like AI Verify, while the finance sector follows specific guidelines from the Monetary Authority of Singapore to ensure fairness and accountability. Additionally, Singapore collaborates internationally to create a cohesive framework for AI risk management.

Hany Soh raised concerns about the adequacy of protective measures against the use of deepfake images and videos for crimes like threats and extortion. K Shanmugam outlined the collaboration between various government agencies to combat crimes involving deepfakes through the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA), which allows intervention with online service providers. The OCHA will introduce Codes of Practice for preventive measures against online crimes, while the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) allows the government to manage misleading deepfakes publicly. The government is also enhancing technical capabilities for detecting AI-generated content, acknowledging that the evolving nature of technology makes it challenging to address all cases effectively.

Tan Wu Meng asked the Prime Minister about implementing minimum usability tests for public sector e-services and involving various stakeholders in establishing these standards. Mrs. Josephine Teo responded that the Government is committed to user-friendly digital services, utilizing Digital Service Standards that include accessibility guidelines. Agencies are encouraged to conduct usability checks and can engage with target users and the Smart Nation Ambassador Citizens Co-Creation Group for feedback. The Government Technology Agency regularly performs independent usability assessments and provides tools to support agencies in enhancing the accessibility and usability of their online services.

Melvin Yong raised concerns about the digital inclusion of seniors in Singapore, asking how the Ministry of Communications and Information could further support them beyond existing programs. Janil Puthucheary affirmed that efforts are underway to educate seniors on digital skills, protect them from online threats, and promote peer influencers known as Silver Digital Ambassadors. Tan Wu Meng asked about user experience and tracking potential digital drop-off among seniors, highlighting the importance of effective implementation of digital services. Denise Phua noted frustrations residents experience when agencies direct them to online services despite their lack of digital literacy and called for better facilitation from the Ministry.

Dr. Lim Wee Kiak raised questions regarding the potential delay of the ERP 2.0 On-Board Unit (OBU) roll-out to address user feedback, including concerns about installation challenges and user experience. Murali Pillai suggested making it mandatory for carpark operators to upgrade their systems to eliminate the need for drivers to tap cards at terminals. Minister Chee Hong Tat explained that ERP 2.0 aims to enhance traffic management without physical gantries and highlighted improvements made based on early adopter feedback, such as options for OBU placement and enhanced user convenience. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of a smartphone-based system for ERP 2.0, and Chee emphasized the safety and functionality of the dedicated OBU over mobile options.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about strategies to engage social media in combating vaping among youths in Singapore. Rahayu Mahzam noted that there is a global rise in youth vaping, which is often promoted through social media, but Singapore has banned e-vaporisers since the start to mitigate harm. The Ministry of Health is collaborating with social media platforms to enforce regulations, including the proactive removal of vaping-related content and engaging youth organizations to tailor anti-vaping campaigns. The Ministry also monitors illicit vaping sales online and is reviewing regulations to adapt to new digital marketing trends to enhance anti-vaping measures.

• The Ministry has been collaborating with telcos since 2019 to block calls that spoof local numbers, but scammers have shifted tactics by using illicitly obtained local SIM cards that display local numbers without the "+65" prefix, which are not spoofed calls.
• New legislation passed in April 2024 makes it an offense for individuals to allow irresponsible registration or misuse of local SIM cards for scams, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment up to three years, or both.
• IMDA has tightened SIM card registration and imposed limits, allowing a maximum of 10 postpaid SIM cards per subscriber to curb bulk purchases for fraudulent use while accommodating legitimate needs.
• These measures form part of a multi-pronged strategy to combat scams, with continued monitoring and readiness to further tighten safeguards as needed.

• Murali Pillai sought an update on HDB's 2021 barrier-free parking pilot, its compatibility with ERP 2.0, and the system's effectiveness in detecting unpaid parking charges.
• Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked for progress on implementing the Parking@HDB smart system beyond pilot sites and lessons learned on awareness and enforcement.
• Desmond Lee confirmed the Parking@HDB pilot started in January 2021 in Punggol and expanded to other sites, using smart cameras for enforcement, reducing illegal parking by about 60% with positive motorist feedback.
• The system is compatible with ERP 2.0, allowing parking payments via the LTA's Onboard Unit, and HDB is refining it before broader rollout.

• The Ministry of Education (MOE) was notified by Mobile Guardian on 17 April about unauthorized access to its management portal, which exposed names, email addresses, school names, and user roles of about 67,000 parents and 22,000 school staff, but the portal could not change device configurations and was not connected to MOE or government systems.
• MOE, with support from the Cyber Security Agency and GovTech, investigated the incident, found no compromise of its own systems, and proactively communicated with affected users on 19 April to warn of potential phishing or scams while lodging a police report.
• MOE has expressed dissatisfaction with Mobile Guardian, required it to appoint a forensic investigator to review its systems and processes, and will take appropriate actions if contractual obligations are breached.
• MOE ensures IT vendors are certified (e.g., Mobile Guardian holds ISO27001) and conducts independent audits and regular cybersecurity testing, while emphasizing user education and vigilance to maintain system security.
• Policy reviews are underway to strengthen governance of third-party service providers, enhance incident response strategies, and improve transparency and communication with parents and the public regarding data security measures.

• Miss Rachel Ong asked if smart water meters could be used to monitor seniors living alone and alert caregivers of unusual water usage.
• The Public Utilities Board is rolling out smart water meters to 300,000 premises by 2024, allowing residents to track consumption and receive leak alerts.
• Currently, there are no plans to use smart meters for senior monitoring; PUB will review the programme after Phase 1 before considering other applications.

• Miss Rachel Ong proposed leveraging smart electricity meters to provide alert services to caregivers when anomalies in home electricity usage are detected for seniors living alone.
• Minister Gan Kim Yong stated there are no plans to use advanced meter data for such alerts, citing that electricity consumption is influenced by many factors and is not a reliable indicator of well-being.
• The government instead directs caregivers to Active Ageing Centres through the Silver Generation Office, where seniors receive befriending and buddying services for monitoring.