Digital & technology — Topics

28 Nov 2022

Safeguarding User Privacy and Data against Illegal Tracking by Tech Companies

The Minister emphasized that location data is protected under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) when it can identify individuals, with illegal tracking occurring without consent or through deceptive practices.
PDPA requires organizations to handle location data responsibly, with the PDPC providing guidelines such as using approximate data and allowing users to control when location is shared.
Consumers are urged to be cautious in app selection and permissions, as they remain the first line of defense in protecting their location data.

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28 Nov 2022

Mitigation Strategy to Deal with Cellular Phone Jams at Large Events

Murali Pillai inquired about strategies to manage cellular phone jams at large events that could escalate into public order issues.
Josephine Teo stated that the Infocomm Media Development Authority collaborates with mobile operators to boost network capacity for large events like the National Day Parade.
Measures include optimizing existing networks and deploying additional equipment, with engineers on standby to address issues.
Voice calls are prioritized over internet access to ensure emergency services remain reachable during crowded events.

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28 Nov 2022

Measures to Prevent Examination Paper Leaks at Institutes of Higher Learning

The Minister of State confirmed that NTU's exam paper leak was due to an administrative error where a digital test paper was not password-protected, and she outlined general measures IHLs use such as password protection, secure storage, and controlled e-assessment platforms.
NTU has taken remedial action including a retest with reduced topics and counselling support for affected students, while the Minister noted there have been five similar isolated incidents in the past three years and IHLs provide support through lecturers and para-counsellors for students facing retakes.
Dr Wan Rizal suggested that the Ministry issue standard guidelines for all IHLs on a fixed preparation time for make-up exams and sought assurance that lecturers would not have to prepare excessive alternative papers.
The Minister responded that a fixed preparation time is impractical due to varying exam formats across disciplines, and stressed that IHLs work as a team with flexibility to handle contingencies rather than relying on individual staff.
Dr Tan Wu Meng asked whether there are deeper safeguards to intercept human errors, such as encryption requirements, and the Minister confirmed NTU is still investigating and considering further safeguards to prevent future incidents.

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9 Nov 2022

Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill aims to regulate online communication services, such as social media platforms, to protect users—especially children—from harmful or "egregious" content, including material promoting suicide, violence, terrorism, and cyberbullying, by requiring platforms to implement safety measures and comply with government directions to disable access to such content.
During the debate, members of parliament broadly supported the bill but raised concerns about the practical implementation, such as defining "egregious" content, regulating private messaging, enforcing compliance on foreign platforms, and ensuring swift removal of harmful material, while emphasizing the need for age verification and public education to complement legislation.
The Minister for Communications and Information responded by clarifying that the bill targets widely used services with significant reach in Singapore, excludes private communications due to privacy concerns, and plans ongoing consultations and updates to address evolving online risks, while highlighting existing support systems for victims and public-private partnerships for online safety education.

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9 Nov 2022

Educating Businesses on Protection of Customers' Data and Enhancing Punishment Against Hacking

Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether IMDA can do more to educate businesses on protecting customer data from hacking and if penalties for illegal hackers can be enhanced.
The Senior Minister of State responded that existing laws and agencies like PDPC and CSA provide resources, toolkits, and programs to guide businesses on data protection, and penalties under the Computer Misuse Act include fines and imprisonment, with stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
Lim Biow Chuan raised concerns about ongoing data breaches and asked if enough is being done, prompting a reply that the PDPA was updated in 2020 to increase penalties and emphasize accountability, with PDPC publishing breach decisions to promote transparency and best practices.
When asked specifically about hackers being caught and punishments, the Senior Minister of State noted the Computer Misuse Act was last amended in 2018 and offered to address specific cases via a separate parliamentary question.

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8 Nov 2022

Enhancing ScamShield with Improved Anti-scam Measures and Accessibility to Vulnerable Groups

The Minister confirmed that ScamShield remains relevant as an additional protective layer alongside telco-implemented anti-scam filters, with ongoing enhancements to improve its reporting and blocking capabilities.
The Government is actively promoting ScamShield downloads among vulnerable groups through grassroots outreach, senior citizen engagement sessions, and public publicity campaigns.
To support businesses, the Singapore SMS Sender ID Registry (SSIR) will become mandatory from 31 January 2023, with reduced registration fees to make it more affordable for smaller organisations.

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8 Nov 2022

Update on Development of SAF Digital and Intelligence Service

The SAF Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) was officially inaugurated in October 2022 as a new service to address evolving hybrid threats that operate across air, land, sea, and digital domains.
The DIS is tasked with providing early warning and intelligence, ensuring networked force connectivity, defending cyber and electronic systems, and bolstering psychological resilience within the SAF.
Internationally, the DIS collaborates with other government agencies to fortify Singapore's national digital and cyber defence capabilities.
Organisational structures and operational commands are being established, with a Digital Ops-Tech Centre and Digital Ranges under construction to enhance training and simulation.
The DIS is actively expanding recruitment and development efforts, with plans to double its workforce by 2030.

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8 Nov 2022

Investigation into Impact on Singaporeans from Global WhatsApp Outage

Ms Hany Soh asked whether the Ministry tracks how many Singaporeans were affected by the global WhatsApp outage on 25 October 2022 and if IMDA is investigating the cause and prevention measures.
Mrs Josephine Teo responded that the outage was a global technical issue resolved by Meta, and Singapore does not regulate such platforms for service quality due to the availability of alternative communication methods.
She added that MCI and IMDA monitor global digital developments and may review policies to balance economic growth, social stability, and public security as needed.

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8 Nov 2022

Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

Leon Perera highlighted concerns about loot boxes in video games linking to problem gambling, urging stronger regulation, warning labels, or potential bans, citing international studies and recent research.
Gan Thiam Poh questioned the enforcement of the Bill’s provisions, particularly on defining “Singapore users,” the impact of VPNs, and aligning global online content with Singapore’s legal and cultural standards.
Both speakers supported the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill while raising specific issues about loot boxes and the practical challenges of regulating online safety.

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8 Nov 2022

Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Bill introduces a regulatory framework for online communication services, starting with social media platforms, to protect Singapore users from harmful content like self-harm advocacy, violence, and racial hatred, by requiring platforms to implement safety measures and allowing IMDA to direct takedowns of egregious content.
The approach is accretive and outcome-driven, building on existing laws like POFMA and POHA, with designated services required to comply with a Code of Practice that mandates user protection tools, transparency reports, and accountability for harmful content.
While supporting the Bill, MPs raised concerns about privacy, free speech, and the scope of coverage, calling for safeguards against abuse of power, clarity on definitions like "egregious content," and greater support for victims, including education and legal aid.

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8 Nov 2022

Preparing Trainee Teachers for Changing Demands of Education

NIE prepares trainee teachers by combining research-backed theory with practical experience, focusing on building professionalism, strengthening teaching skills, broadening pedagogies like technology-based learning, and developing community partnerships.
The curriculum includes preparing teachers for new roles such as content curators and life coaches, using tools like augmented reality, AI, and learning analytics to create inclusive and customized learning experiences.
Continuous professional development and in-service training are emphasized to ensure teachers keep evolving their skills, with partnerships among schools, families, and industries.
Resources are allocated to ensure high-quality teaching is supported by technology, enabling personalized learning and the ability to address diverse student needs.
Feedback mechanisms such as surveys and assessments are used regularly to review and refine the training programs, ensuring they remain relevant for future demands.

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7 Nov 2022

Effects of Recent Data Breach at Eight Shangri-La Hotels in Asia

The Minister stated that the data breach at Shangri-La Hotels affected some guests of the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue but most dignitaries registered via Embassies without personal details, limiting the impact on Singapore’s reputation and prompting enhanced safeguards with event organisers and the hotel.
The Personal Data Protection Commission is investigating the breach, and the Personal Data Protection Act requires organisations to implement reasonable security measures to protect personal data from unauthorised access or disclosure.
Singapore is promoting data protection through published guides and cybersecurity toolkits to help organisations strengthen their cyber defences and prevent future breaches at high-level events.

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7 Nov 2022

Average Waiting Time for Car Park Label Scheme for Persons with Physical Disabilities

Over the past three years, more than 90% of applicants received a parking label within 15 working days after submitting a complete application, with approvals typically granted within six working days.
Applicants can start using accessible parking lots upon approval without waiting for the physical label, but SG Enable is exploring technological solutions to replace or complement the current physical label.
SG Enable encourages the use of its eService to reduce processing time, as it guides applicants to submit complete information and requires less backend administrative work compared to email or post submissions.

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7 Nov 2022

Safeguarding Submarine Data Cables against Sabotage and Major Disruptions

Singapore maintains a robust submarine cable network, with 26 cables currently landed, up from 19 five years ago, to ensure diverse and resilient international connectivity.
The government partners with local and international agencies to attract new cables and facilitate agreements for efficient installation, maintenance, and repair of existing cables.
Measures include safeguarding cables from threats like shipping accidents, fishing activities, and natural disasters, while ensuring continuity and expediting recovery to sustain digital connectivity.

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20 Oct 2022

Cryptocurrency-related Scams Reported Annually in Past Three Years

In 2019, 125 cryptocurrency-related scam reports were received, increasing to 397 in 2020 and 631 in 2021, indicating a rising trend.
Most cryptocurrency scams are perpetrated by scammers based outside Singapore, making investigation and recovery challenging due to reliance on overseas cooperation.
The Police established a cryptocurrency task force in 2018 to enhance investigations and work with overseas agencies, while MAS and MoneySENSE continue public education efforts to warn about the risks of cryptocurrencies.

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20 Oct 2022

Progress of Digital Banks in Incorporating Innovation to Serve Customer Needs and Reach Underserved Segments

The digital banks have recently launched operations despite COVID-19 challenges, starting with limited products for selected segments and planning to scale as their capabilities grow.
The pandemic has not significantly hindered progress, as digital banks are leveraging ecosystems to pilot innovations for underserved groups like gig workers, though broader impact will take time.
MAS recommends that digital banks accelerate financial inclusion by continuing to tailor services to specific segments and encouraging competition that pushes existing banks to enhance their offerings.

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20 Oct 2022

Prevalence of Use of Cashless Payment Platforms and Number of Scams Reported

Tharman Shanmugaratnam reported that nearly 5.5 million bank accounts are registered with PayNow, and SGQR, launched in 2018, is the unified payment QR code standard accepted by over 90% of merchants in Singapore.
Usage of PayNow, including payments to merchants and businesses, reached S$46 billion in 2021, with SGQR facilitating the adoption of multiple payment schemes like PayNow, Dash, FavePay, and GrabPay.
The Singapore Police Force recorded only 20 reported scam cases involving fake QR codes or fraudulent Scan and Pay transactions from 2020 to the first half of 2022, indicating such scams are not prevalent.
Measures to prevent scams include MAS education initiatives like the MoneySENSE website and Seniors Go Digital programme, which teach safe e-payment practices and cyber risk awareness, alongside SGQR rules requiring merchant acquirers to educate merchants on fraud prevention.
MAS continues to work with industry and government agencies to review and enhance anti-scam measures for cashless payments, while emphasizing consumer vigilance to ensure payments go to intended merchants.

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20 Oct 2022

Facilitating Employers' Checks on Employees' Fulfillment of Training Requirements for Progressive Wage Model

Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman asked whether an online portal could be developed for HR to retrieve employees’ WSQ training records to check Progressive Wage Model requirements, especially for mature workers struggling with Singpass access.
Chan Chun Sing noted that workers can access WSQ e-certificates via MySkillsFuture and employers can verify them through the Enterprise Portal for Jobs & Skills, with plans to simplify and enhance employer access.
The government will also build on the MySkillsFuture portal to create a “journey planner” that curates courses and supports lifelong learning and career planning.

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20 Oct 2022

Review of Cause for Disruption to Electronic Medical System on 29 September 2022

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned the Minister for Health about the cause of the 29 September 2022 electronic medical system disruption, the timeline for system review and upgrades, and interim goals to reduce downtime during outages.
The disruption was caused by a software error in the firewall of a backup data centre, with the root cause fully rectified through network and disaster recovery design improvements.
The government will upgrade systems when deemed necessary and is reviewing downtime and business continuity processes to minimise outage impacts.

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5 Oct 2022

Addressing Access Issues with Digitalisation of Lasting Power of Attorney-making Process

The Ministry will make the digital Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application form and instructional videos available in all four official languages, pre-fill known fields with user consent, and streamline the process by prompting only relevant sections, with legal terms explained in simple language.
The system is designed to be user-friendly, supported by instructional videos, quick reference guides, and access to assistance at Citizen Connect Centres and ServiceSG Centres, while outreach to seniors will be conducted through Silver Generation Ambassadors, AIC, and PA.
As of June 2022, about 152,000 LPAs have been registered, and the Minister agreed on the need to accelerate adoption, including considering initiatives to encourage younger individuals to prepare LPAs at appropriate life milestones.

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