Singapore wields foreign interference law to block social media accounts linked to Chinese tycoon Guo Wengui
A 2021 study by social media analytics firm Graphika showed that Guo is at the centre of “a vast network of interrelated media entities and social media accounts that disseminate disinformation across multiple platforms”, said MHA.
The coordinated actions and precedence of using Singapore to push its agenda show that the network is willing and capable of spreading false narratives that are detrimental to the country’s interests, the ministry added.
“The timing of the coordinated posts, which coincided with the period of Singapore’s political leadership transition, is indicative of deliberate planning and actions.”
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong took over the reins from his predecessor Lee Hsien Loong on May 15 this year.
TARGETING SINGAPORE DIRECTLY
There are grounds to believe that Guo’s network could harness the 95 accounts to mount hostile information campaigns targeted directly at Singapore, said MHA.
Such campaigns can undermine the country’s sovereignty and social cohesion, it said.
“As seen in overseas incidents, they have the potential to reduce confidence in democratic processes, sow discord in communities, and undermine trust in governments and public institutions,” said the ministry.
Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam had authorised the issuance of the directions, after deeming that the conditions under FICA were met.
The directions will require the social media platforms to “take all reasonable steps to terminate any functionality of their services that enables interactions between the specified accounts and end-users physically present in Singapore”, said MHA.
“We urge Singaporeans to be discerning when consuming and disseminating information online. We should always fact-check the information to see if it is accurate and authentic, against a credible source,” it said.
