REACH (Telegram) 35 - What are your thoughts on the blocking of these fake websites that could potentially be used to carry out disinformation campaigns against Singapore? How else can Singaporeans protect themselves from disinformation online?
(SK)
23 Oct 2024 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [23/10/2024 9:49 AM]
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REACH Singapore, [23/10/2024 10:00 AM]
📢 Topic 📢
The authorities on Oct 22 ordered the blocking of 10 fake websites linked to foreign actors that could potentially be used to carry out disinformation campaigns against Singapore.
The websites mimic typical news publications and are unlikely to raise suspicion to the untrained eye, but their tactics have been flagged by global cyber threat researchers as having the same playbook as state-run hostile information campaigns.
💬 What are your thoughts on the blocking of these fake websites that could potentially be used to carry out disinformation campaigns against Singapore? How else can Singaporeans protect themselves from disinformation online?
📌 Fake websites blocked under the Broadcasting Act
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said on Oct 22 that it was necessary to direct internet access service providers, including Singtel, M1 and StarHub, to block access to the 10 sites for users in Singapore under the Broadcasting Act.
MHA said that, based on investigations, there are no Singaporeans involved in operating any of the websites and the “level of exposure of Singaporeans to these 10 websites is assessed to be currently low”.
Although the websites have not mounted any hostile information campaign against Singapore, they could potentially be used to do so in future, said MHA. “It is therefore in the public interest to take pre-emptive action against them.”
MHA and IMDA said the websites masquerade as Singapore websites by spoofing or using terms associated with Singapore in their domain names and incorporating familiar local features and visuals.
“They also carried content on Singapore, some of which was generated by artificial intelligence,” the authorities added.
“These are common tactics used by malicious foreign actors: build websites which can attract a local following, that may subsequently be used as platforms to mount hostile information campaigns.”
📌 Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (Fica) being reviewed
MHA and IMDA added that there were currently no provisions in the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act of 2021 to preemptively act against websites, whether inauthentic or not.
“For example, an Account Restriction Direction, which is an anticipatory direction, can only be given to a provider of a social media service and/or electronic service but not websites,” they said. “The government is reviewing the Act to see how this can be addressed.”
The authorities urged Singaporeans to remain vigilant when consuming content online, and to be alert to such inauthentic websites and the threat they pose.
“There are many overseas cases where malicious foreign actors had created and used inauthentic news websites to propagate false narratives to sway the target population's sentiments, in order to advance their own interests,” they said.
“They do so by inciting social tension, exploiting societal fault lines, manipulating elections, or undermining confidence and trust in public institutions.”
👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-blocks-10-foreign-linked-websites-in-crackdown-of-potential-hostile-disinformation
👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-blocks-websites-foreign-interference-hostile-information-mha-imda-fica-4692746
----
Adam, [23/10/2024 10:35 AM]
If only the gov can put as much effort into scams
REACH Singapore, [23/10/2024 11:00 AM]
[ Poll : I believe that blocking these fake foreign-linked websites helps to prevent disinformation campaigns against Singapore. Please share the reason for your answer in the chats! ]
- Yes
- No
- Maybe
REACH Singapore, [23/10/2024 11:07 AM]
Dear Contributors,
We want to HEAR MORE from you!
💬 What are your thoughts on the blocking of these fake websites that could potentially be used to carry out disinformation campaigns against Singapore? How else can Singaporeans protect themselves from disinformation online?
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.
Thank you!
Megan 😊
Adam, [23/10/2024 11:15 AM]
Im kinda curious. What kind of 'disinformation' is the gov focusing on?
Adam, [23/10/2024 11:15 AM]
Mena region is probably obvious
Adam, [23/10/2024 11:15 AM]
But how about from the mainland up north
Adam, [23/10/2024 11:16 AM]
I heard south asia might have some activity but unlikely
Adam, [23/10/2024 11:17 AM]
Neighbouring countries? Wonder if they can release info
G, [23/10/2024 12:07 PM]
Also, how do we know our politicians are adequately protected against disinformation too?
We have seen how the pharma companies (with histories of gross dishonesty) have hoodwinked the world on the safety and effectiveness of the covid jabs, yet our govt still sing the same song as those pharma companies.
The Japanese have come out to apologise to their people, that the jabs weren't safe. But SG govt still run campaigns asking people to stay up to date for the covid jabs
G, [23/10/2024 12:10 PM]
When international scientific experts in their fields caution against the safety of the covid jabs, this PAP govt labelled them as anti vaxxers and deferred to their nameless "experts" to defend their (and the pharma companies) position and pro jab narrative.
G, [23/10/2024 12:12 PM]
It has also been found that at least 55 undeclared chemical elements found in the covid jabs, such as chromium, arsenic.
https://ijvtpr.com/index.php/IJVTPR/article/view/111
G, [23/10/2024 12:16 PM]
One would expect SG health body to care more about citizens health than protecting pharma companies narratives, especially since they self declared covid pandemic is over
Don't understand the reluctance of HSA or whichever authority that approved the covid jabs to investigate the pharma companies and their products in order to protect the health of citizens
Adam, [23/10/2024 12:22 PM]
Sg gov work on the basis of "we know best". clearly over the years the trust has been eroded and people now go into alternative media for their info. Maybe the rose of new citizens might cause loyalties to lie elsewhere too
Adam, [23/10/2024 12:23 PM]
Gov needs to work on improving themselves too. Regain the trust of the public and we will be naturally more resilient to disinformation
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 1:28 PM]
I think there's just too much chaos incident lately which makes people lose trust towards the government
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 1:30 PM]
For example Lee Hsien yang gain asylum in UK. Very ugly isn't it? How to trust the government?
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 1:36 PM]
Not to mention profma is always targeting opposition. And opposition attacks in my opinion are valid. Everytime I read the correction notice or minister answer somehow they don't answer the question and beating around the bush.
The only down side is opposition they have identify the problem yet did not create a solution
Yet I see the current government is just defending themselves. Can't they give a straight forward answer to everything? And a complicated answer after that?
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 1:38 PM]
Feels like in poly when lecturer ask a question and you don't know the answer and just answer to get points
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 1:40 PM]
I think people are looking at Precise short and simplified answers without any points can be attacked. People just want to live a life better.
Nicholas, [23/10/2024 1:41 PM]
that's kinda true...
Look at the recent discussion on NTUC.. all WP is asking is that NTUC representing union should be independent.. and Giam saying that folks may not be as open to "feedback" on real issues, instead of noting his point and making representation why this may not be the case... PAP go all the way.. to attack the idea.. from various MPs.. not about the topic but rather, WP history, whether WP wants to be close to union etc.. This type of rebuttal isn't helping PAP in anyway,
REACH Singapore, [23/10/2024 2:02 PM]
📢 Topic 📢
cy, [23/10/2024 2:36 PM]
Not just block. We should make known who these foreign actors are.
cy, [23/10/2024 2:37 PM]
We should take action against these foreign actors as when appropriate especially if they are not backed by governments
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 3:08 PM]
"Russia Is Not At All Happy Moldova Has Voted To Join The EU After Supposedly 'Unfree' Election".
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/russia-fumes-after-moldova-votes-to-join-the-eu_uk_67161f0be4b06bf654c157bc#:~:text=at%20any%20time-,Russia%20Is%20Not%20At%20All%20Happy%20Moldova%20Has%20Voted%20To%20Join%20The%20EU%20After%20Supposedly%20%27Unfree%27%20Election,-Kate%20Nicholson
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 3:09 PM]
Foreign influence election - lead to a nail biting razor edge win.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 3:26 PM]
1. Let us analyse why these 10 foreign websites that mimick Singapore context are a concern to us?
a. They are flagged by Global Cyber Threat Researchers - whereby it is the International cyber security collaboration have identified these websites are cyber threat - and they share these threat with Global Countries participating in the cybersecurity space.
b. The domain space are discovered to be run by foreign actors - suspected to be directed by foreign state actors.
c. Why would such website mimick Singapore context in its entirety and publish information directed to Singapore?
d.. These websites are known to have attack some Countries with hostile information campaign.
2. Based on all these contexts, I support the Government pre-emptive actions to block these websites - because we don't want foreign actors to destabilise our social compact here, cause disharmony and meddle with our political scene to benefits their agenda.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 3:38 PM]
1. Information warfare or disinformation warfare have been a tactic - waged since ancient times --- especially when the World is going into a chaos in the context of Geopolitical tensions.
The latest known is during WW2 - when ancient Japanese military wage disinformation war in China and SE Asia - before they launch a surprise invasion.
In Singapore, Japanese military did wage a disinformation war about British colonization exploitation to weaken British administration legitimacy before they launch an attack.
2. Similarly, current geopolitical tensions is at its peak - looking at the 3 warfronts :-
a. Ukraine war - that pit Russia against NATO and N Korea has joined in the fight.
b. MIddle East - that will threaten to widen - and have draw in Iran - that will destabilise other Arab States such as Saudi, Bahrain etc if the attack on Iran go through
c. Taiwan and South China Sea tension - not erupt into war yet.
In fact, analysts have said, WW3 has already started.
3. Hence, our Government taking pre-emptive actions against disinformation war - to protect our Country and population is indeed necessary and imperative - as the whole World is on the brink of entering into a very dangerous Global theatre - and we need to be vigilant to protect our National Interest - in case the Global scene suddenly turn very ugly.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 3:42 PM]
Examples of Disinformation War in WW2 in Singapore :-
Before World War II, Japan indeed spread disinformation about British colonization in Singapore to weaken the British colonial government's legitimacy and justify their own invasion.
Japanese Propaganda Strategies:
1. Emphasizing British exploitation: Japan highlighted alleged British colonial exploitation, portraying themselves as liberators.
2. Promoting Pan-Asianism: Japan emphasized shared Asian values and promised to free Singapore from Western colonial rule.
3. Fabricating British atrocities: Japan spread false reports of British brutality and oppression.
4. Exploiting local grievances: Japan tapped into existing discontent among Singapore's ethnic communities.
Examples of Japanese Disinformation:
1. Posters and leaflets claiming British colonialism was responsible for poverty, inequality, and oppression.
2. Radio broadcasts accusing the British of exploiting Singapore's resources and people.
3. Rumors spread through agents and sympathizers about alleged British plans to abandon Singapore.
Impact on Singaporeans:
1. Creation of anti-British sentiment
2. Increased support for Japanese occupation
3. Division among ethnic communities
Historical Context:
1. Japan's expansionist policies in Asia
2. British colonial rule in Singapore since 1819
3. Rising nationalist sentiments in Southeast Asia
Key Sources:
1. National Archives of Singapore
2. British National Archives
3. "The Syonan Years: Singapore Under Japanese Rule 1942-1945" by Lee Geok Boi
4. "Japan's Asian Axis Allies: Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian soldiers" by Joyce C.H. Lebra
Japan's disinformation campaign contributed to the eventual surrender of British forces on February 15, 1942, marking the beginning of Singapore's occupation.
Source :- Meta AI
REACH Singapore, [23/10/2024 4:02 PM]
📢 Topic 📢
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 4:10 PM]
Now let us look LHY megaphone tactics casting aspersion on Singapore Government and putting Singapore in a bad light :-
1. Ask LHY why did he quit Singtel as CEO suddenly when Singtel is doing very well under him?
No one push to replace him - why his sudden decision to quit?
2. He is BG, instead of protecting Singapore National Interest - he is now waging disinformation accusation against Singapore without basis :-
"Lee Hsien Yang said: “People need to look beyond Singapore’s bold, false assertions and see what the reality really is like.”
He added: “There is a need for the world to look more closely, to see Singapore’s role as that key facilitator for arms trades, for dirty money, for drug monies, crypto money.”
Source :- The Guardian Tom Burgis and Amy Hawkins in London
Tue 22 Oct 2024 07.57 BST
Does he has evidence that Singapore is a key facilitator of dirty money?
3. LHY and LWL accused Mr Lee Hsien Loong of abusing his influence in government to drive his personal agenda to demolish Oxley.
But SM Lee has already recluse himself on all Government discussion and decision on this issue.
4. LHY and his wife - have been found guilty :-
The "professional disciplinary proceedings" against Mrs Lee Suet Fern regarding her conduct as a lawyer. In 2020, Mrs Lee was suspended from practice by the Court of Three Judges for 15 months after she was found guilty of misconduct over the handling of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s last will.
But LHY and his wife have been out of Singapore since 2022 after deciding not to attend a scheduled police interview over potential offences of giving false evidence in judicial proceedings regarding the will of his father Lee Kuan Yew, who is Singapore's founding prime minister.
If LHY conscience is clear and innocent, why he bolted?
5. Lee Hsien Yang (LHY) has paid S$619,335.53 to Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan after losing a defamation suit over his Facebook post about their rental of Ridout Road properties.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 4:43 PM]
His father and his brother spend their entire lives building Singapore and ensuring the population well beings.
What has lhy did?
He did exactly the opposite.
xXx.SCAR.xXx, [23/10/2024 4:59 PM]
I don't know about the true nature of the siblings quarrel - but if LKY wants his house to be demolished, then just do it. Why drag the whole country into this.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:02 PM]
There is a historical and heritage significance in this issue - as the entire cabinet unanimous decision. As the house has been used for cabinet meeting in the early years.
LKY did change his mind on the demolition - as he wrote to the cabinet and proposed renovation to the house.
The police investigation of the last will is to establish whether the last comm to cabinet has been changed.
xXx.SCAR.xXx, [23/10/2024 5:07 PM]
There is no historical significance to me. Why must taxpayers pay to upkeep a private residence?
LKY has always wanted to demolish his house after it is no longer occupied, and he quoted Ozymandias
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:11 PM]
If the house is purely for private residence, then no heritage significance.
But the house is use for cabinet meeting to discuss the independence and the formation of modern Singapore.
This is the historical significance.
And a red box that are brought in and out of the Oxley house for meetings - cabinet papers - is a national issue not a private residency issue.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:12 PM]
That's the birth of Republic of Singapore is seeded in Oxley.
xXx.SCAR.xXx, [23/10/2024 5:16 PM]
The Republic of Singapore is established by an act of Parliament and by the will of its people. Where it is whispered and plotted doesn't matter.
Where the red box goes is matter of working style by LKY
G, [23/10/2024 5:19 PM]
👍 the status of 38 Oxley property now is still in private hands.
What right does the govt have to lay claim over it?
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:20 PM]
You see the saga all started with the oxley house. Does the so called historical significance do more benefits than destroying a family and making it a joke to Singapore?
Further more as a family things no needed to bring to court. Is it how a family should operate?
In my opinion LHL should just gave in and demolished it. So to maintain peace of the family and not to be a joke in front of Singapore.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:20 PM]
Very simple, if lhy is very sure that his father is still adamant about demolishing the house at its last will and not as per what LkY has communicated to the cabinet about willingness to refurbish the Oxley house, then Lhy should come back to Singapore to proof his innocence that he did not make changes in the last will.
This will make the matter rest and not let him indulge in megaphone accusations.
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:21 PM]
If lky is alive I wonder what he will say when he see such a scenario
G, [23/10/2024 5:21 PM]
Who's the executer of the will?
If the will say demolish, but it's not demolished, what are the legal consequences to the executor?
If the will say don't demolish, bit it's demolished, what are the legal consequences to the executor?
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:22 PM]
In the 1st place is the last will valid?
G, [23/10/2024 5:22 PM]
Who cares?
The property is under 100% private hands now
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:23 PM]
The last will not important... The problem is those action does not do benefits.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:23 PM]
If lhy conscience is clear, he should come back and prove the last will is valid.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:24 PM]
You mean last will not important when it is a legal document?
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:25 PM]
Anyone who amend the will not draft according to the wish of deceased is a crime according to the law.
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:25 PM]
Yes. If things goes in the wrong direction when brothers quarrel then the last will is a huge mistake.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:25 PM]
It applies to everyone.
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:26 PM]
I pretty sure lky wouldn't want to see such a happening in his family
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:27 PM]
Imagine if your brother amend your father's will to your detriment, you say ok huh?
Law say is not ok.
It is a crime.
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:28 PM]
Ok ah 我前世欠他的，要还他债
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:28 PM]
Just accept it
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:28 PM]
And things will go smoothly
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:28 PM]
Huh, no rules of law is ok ah?
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:29 PM]
I mean I will respect the law but in this case I will not use the law against my family
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:29 PM]
For my own benefits
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:31 PM]
Since the person is dead we should look forward and care for my living family
xXx.SCAR.xXx, [23/10/2024 5:32 PM]
When LKY was alive, we all respected his wisdom and leadership. Now when he is no longer around, suddenly we know better than him.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:32 PM]
Now not the brother take this matter into courts.
It is State against Lhy because a suspected crime has been committed.
In fact Lhy wife.have been found guilty for professional misconduct.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:33 PM]
When crime committed, we close one eyes ah?
I thought people talk about whistle blowing if a suspected criminal acts have taken place?
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:34 PM]
Why suddenly people so compromising to live under shady dealings and view it as acceptable?
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:35 PM]
the significance of UK giving asylum to LHY and his wife.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:36 PM]
That's UK prerogative.
xXx.SCAR.xXx, [23/10/2024 5:36 PM]
LHY & wife have indeed committed offences under our law - they should face up to it; or if out of fear of being unfairly treated by political powers, then never return.
But this does not deviate from respecting LKY's wishes.
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:37 PM]
UK don't anyhow give asylum de
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:38 PM]
The wish in the last will has to be established.
And the best person to unravel the last wish of LkY is for Lhy to come back to clear his innocence.
In fact private properties like Sun Yat Sen mansion, Alkaff mansion with historical and heritage significance are gazetted and become public properties with adequate compensation to inheritance.
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:38 PM]
That means UK have believe that LHY will get nabbed when come back to Singapore due to political reasons
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:39 PM]
Oh yeah.
US give asylum to a boy, he in US arrested for sexual crime on a teen.
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:39 PM]
Rigorous UK refugee application lends weight to Lee Hsien Yang’s claims of persecution in Singapore
The UK’s decision to grant refugee status to Lee Hsien Yang and his wife challenges Singapore’s claim that they face no legal risks, with the rigorous asylum process supporting the credibility of their persecution claims. Additionally, their refugee status protects them from extradition to Singapore, reinforcing the seriousness of their fears of political retaliation.
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2024/10/23/rigorous-uk-refugee-application-lends-weight-to-lee-hsien-yangs-claims-of-persecution-in-singapore/
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:39 PM]
As long as our conscience are clear, we don't care what UK do.
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:40 PM]
We don't condone crime here.
Come back to prove his innocence.
Plenty of lawyers to help him if he is innocent.
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:43 PM]
To me this saga is just a joke ah. I don't know why things become like this. Maybe it's just 无情帝王家。
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:45 PM]
Everything started just because of a house. Things can be prevented from the very start.
G, [23/10/2024 5:45 PM]
Then why all this talk about trying to preserve the 38 Oxley road?
It has and always has been a private property since LKY bought it. The govt, the PAP party all have no share in the ownership, and hence don't have a say
The property now is 100% in the hands of LHY.
Will the govt try to change the law to acquire the house so that they don't commit a crime?
LCL (Danny 心), [23/10/2024 5:45 PM]
Nothing will happen to anyone if we don't commit crime.
Simple as that.
REACH Singapore, [23/10/2024 5:47 PM]
Dear Contributors,
Please be reminded to post content relevant to the topic that is being discussed. We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Thank you.
Megan
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:47 PM]
Alright
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:49 PM]
Please ban pornography also thanks
Jun Ming, [23/10/2024 5:51 PM]
Porn is the greatest misinformation in the internet
G, [23/10/2024 5:56 PM]
Seems like we are seeing the effects of disinformation.
Many in Singapore (and some here) think that non-owners of a private property here in sg should have a say on the future of that property. Some (including many who are not relatives) go so far as to argue about validity of whatever version of a dead man's will to use that to attempt to have a say on the future of the property
REACH Singapore, [23/10/2024 6:03 PM]
📢 Topic 📢
xXx.SCAR.xXx, [23/10/2024 6:20 PM]
It is definitely a right move to block these websites since they are operated by foreigners, and from their domain names - appears to have nefarious intentions. Might be a little too early to do so tho, it is not hard for such websites to pop-up again and the owners will learn lessons from this take-down.
REACH Singapore, [23/10/2024 6:45 PM]
Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
REACH Singapore, [23/10/2024 7:04 PM]
Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
====
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