The government quoted the radio decree on Tuesday (October 22), instructing a telecommunications company that connects to the Internet access services, blocking 10 false websites set up by foreign forces, and prohibiting local users from browsing.The joint documents issued by the Ministry of the Interior and the Information and Communications Media Development Bureau pointed out that these websites do not have Chinese people participating in operations, there are not many local viewers, and they have not launched hostile information promotion for Singapore.
These 10 websites use domain names related to Singapore, and include visual elements of local characteristics in the design to impersonate local websites.One of the websites named ZaobaoDaily.com tried to impersonate the United Morning Post to confuse readers.Another website is called Singaporeinfomap, which is similar to the website domain name opened by the former news, communication and art (now known as the Digital Development and News).
These websites are divided into three companies, one of which is established by Russians, and nine are related to China.The joint statement pointed out that the design and operation of the website may make readers mistakenly think of the content published, reflecting the official position of Singapore or local folk emotions.In addition, a part of the website comes from a "news agency" that once launched hostile information promotion to other countries.
Foreign criminals make social tension on false news websites, use social differences, and manipulate or destroy the confidence and trust in public institutions.In an interview, some experts pointed out that false websites are like "digital ammunition" and can be launched to Singapore at any time.It is a wise approach to the government before they are in trouble.
The geopolitical contradictions of great powers have intensified, and they have actively expand their influence around the world.Singapore is a global financial center and transportation hub. It enjoys a diplomatic status larger than its size on the international stage, so it has become the target of foreign forces to penetrate.Experience of other countries shows that foreign forces are recognized by local people through the publicity of false websites in order to serve their strategic goals or political goals.
Secondly, Singapore is a highly digital society.The popularity of mobile phones and computers provides favorable conditions for the flood of false websites.The rapid development of digital technology allows foreign people in foreign countries to open a large number of social media accounts or websites at a very low cost, and quickly produce false news and information through artificial intelligence generation tools.
On the other hand, Singapore is a diverse and open society, and foreign forces have their own opportunities to take.They can use social fault lines such as diversified religion, race, and language to split society, manipulate public opinion, the audience's curiosity and the psychology of finding alternative views, and open the door for false websites.
Faced with the risks of infiltration and intervention in foreign forces, the Singapore government dare not take it lightly.In May 2019, Congress by preventing online fake information and network manipulation (POFMA), and in October 2021, it passed the prevention of foreign intervention (corresponding measures) laws (referred to as FICA).FICA is currently only targeted at social media, so the government quotes the broadcasting law to block false websites.It will research the coverage of FICA to the website.
In February this year, the Ministry of the Interior quoted FICA and listed a Singapore businessman who was originally born in Hong Kong as "political influence".It pointed out that the businessman showed the vulnerability that is vulnerable to foreign forces and his willingness to promote the interests of the latter.In addition, his activities in Singapore have the intention to promote political purposes.Those who are included in the "political influence" must declare political donations of 10,000 yuan or more each year and their relationships with foreign institutions.
Then, in July of this year, the Ministry of the Interior pointed out that Guo Wengui, a wealthy Chinese businessman who claimed to be in exile, set up 95 social media accounts, which may be used to launch hostility to Singapore.It quotes FICA again to instruct the social media platform to block these accounts.
The operating costs of false websites and social media accounts are very low, and it is difficult for the shielding operations to eradicate the risk of foreign forces intervention.The key is to improve the ability to recognize the Chinese people.In this regard, the mutual trust relationship between the government, mainstream media and the public is very important.
Survey shows that Chinese people have a high degree of trust in government and mainstream media, but this difficult social capital cannot be considered for granted.Both the government and mainstream media need to maintain their credibility and resist false information spread by foreign forces.The audience of the online media must always be vigilant when accepting and disseminating online information, to verify the source and authenticity of the data.
