WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging services face new anti-scam rules in Singapore
Singaporean authorities have introduced new anti-scam regulations requiring messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to implement stricter safeguards against malicious activity. These measures follow a significant rise in scam cases, with the government mandating proactive disruption of cyber threats.
Why it matters
This represents a growing global trend of governments holding tech platforms accountable for criminal activity occurring on their encrypted messaging services.
The measures are part of a series of new and enhanced "codes of practice" issued by the Online Criminal Harms Act Office to guard against scams and malicious cyber activities, with the others covering social media platforms and e-commerce services.
New anti-scam safeguards for designated online services were introduced by the Singapore Police Force on Aug 18, 2026. (Image: iStock)
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