SINGAPORE: Singapore will block nearly 100 social media accounts linked to
exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui that it believes could launch hostile information campaigns here.
It is the first use of account restriction directions under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA) since
the law was passed in October 2021.
Five social media platforms — X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok — have been directed to block a total of 95 online accounts from being accessible to Singapore users, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Friday (Jul 19).
There is no evidence that any of the accounts are operated by Singaporeans, it said.
The directions were issued after the ministry identified a network of accounts linked to Guo and his affiliated organisations, known to disseminate disinformation across multiple platforms.
These accounts had published posts that alleged Singapore is "in the pocket of a foreign actor", who was "behind the scenes in the selection of Singapore’s fourth-generation leader” MHA said in a press release.
Account restriction directions are among a suite of actions that can be taken under FICA. Individuals and organisations can also be
designated as “politically significant persons” under the law.
