Singapore introduces bill to combat cybercrime and scam

The Online Criminal Harms Bill would allow the government to order the removal of websites and online accounts that are suspected of being used for scams or malicious cyber activities.

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The Singaporean government has introduced a proposed law that would enable them to order the removal of websites and online accounts that are suspected of being used for scams or malicious cyber activities. 

The Online Criminal Harms Bill covers a variety of criminal offences, but the threshold for action on offences related to scams and cybercrime will be lower than for other offences. The proposed law would empower the Singaporean government to promptly intervene against online criminal activity and prevent scams from harming more people.

People and entities who are transmitting criminal content, online service providers, internet service providers, and app stores could be the recipients of government directions. The Bill forms part of a suite of legislation that includes the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act and the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act. Details will be established through codes of conduct released by a chosen body from the Singapore Police Force.