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Apple Told Curb iMessage Scams in Singapore
Singapore police cite rising scams impersonating government agencies on iMessage and Google Messages, prompting new regulations under the Online Criminal Harms Act.
- On Tuesday, Singapore police issued a directive under the Online Criminal Harms Act ordering Apple and Google to prevent spoofing of government agencies on iMessage and Google Messages.
- Police said they found impersonation scams on iMessage and Google Messages mimicking SingPost, noting messages look like SMS and the 'gov.sg' registry does not cover these platforms.
- Under the order, platforms must block or filter accounts and chats that spoof 'gov.sg'; Google told Reuters it is collaborating with the government and building on proactive spam filtering, while Apple did not respond but maintains safeguards.
- Users are being urged to update devices as companies implement new anti‑scam measures; Reuters reports both Google and Apple have committed to comply to curb phishing on iMessage and Google Messages.
- The government previously warned Meta Platforms about impersonation scams, and extending SMS protections to Apple and Google messaging apps could set a new regulatory precedent, the Singapore government said Tuesday.
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Singapore orders block of iMessage scams that fake government addresses
The Singapore government has ordered Apple to crack down on the spread of fake government messages on iMessage, in a bid to cut down the amount of scams.Smartphone users are familiar with scam calls and messagesText message scams have been around for many years, and are a constant problem that preys on unsuspecting smartphone users. In Singapore, the government wants Apple and Google to help reduce scam messages.The Singapore home affairs minist…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 17%
C 67%
R 16%
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