Meta helps Singaporeans stay safe online

Meta is stepping up its efforts to help Singaporeans stay safe online by introducing a range of new anti-scam tools and expanding digital literacy initiatives across the country. These updates are designed to make it easier for people to spot scams and protect their personal information. 

The new safeguards combine proactive scam detection with user education, empowering people to identify risks and stay protected. The company also offers practical advice for staying safe online. 

In the first half of 2025 alone, Meta took action against nearly 12 million scam-linked accounts globally, including the removal of over 68,000 fake accounts and 650,000 scam-related ads in Singapore. These numbers highlight the scale of the challenge and demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to building trust and integrity on its platforms.

Clara Koh, Head of Public Policy, Central Southeast Asia & ASEAN said: “At Meta, protecting our users from scams is a top priority. The launch of these anti-scam tools in Singapore and our ongoing public education campaigns underscore our continuing commitment to user safety and empowering Singaporeans with essential digital literacy skills. Tackling online scams requires a collaborative approach, which is why we work closely with governments, technology partners, banks, and law enforcement to collectively detect and stop scammers.”

In Singapore, WhatsApp users will now receive an on-screen alert if they attempt to share their screen with someone who isn’t saved in their contacts during a video call. This new safeguard is designed to help prevent scammers from accessing sensitive information. 

Meanwhile, Meta is rolling out enhanced scam detection on Messenger. This tool notifies users if they receive a suspicious message from an unknown sender and allows them to submit recent chat messages for an AI review. Both of these tools are part of Meta’s ongoing commitment to helping people spot and avoid scams before any damage is done.

Meta has also made it easier for people to secure their accounts with passkeys, a safer alternative to traditional passwords, on Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp. In addition, users can take advantage of privacy and security checkup tools to manage their settings, enable strong passwords, set up two-factor authentication or two-step verification, and control who can see their information.

As a Digital for Life (DfL) partner, Meta recently participated in the Singapore Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Digital for Life Festival. 

Doreen Tan, Assistant Chief Executive of Strategic Planning and Digital Readiness at IMDA said: "We are grateful for Meta’s continued support for the DfL movement. At the DfL Festival this year, Meta stepped forward to equip parents and youths with practical tools and resources to develop healthy digital habits, and educate everyone on how to stay safe against scams. Through collaboration with DfL partners like Meta, IMDA will continue to foster a more inclusive digital society as Singapore digitalises more.”

Source: Meta. From left: Corrinne Quek, Senior Programme Head, IMDA; Doreen Tan, Assistant Chief Executive, Strategic Planning & Digital Readiness, IMDA; Gan Kim Yong, Deputy PM and Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore; Clara Koh, Head of Public Policy, Central Southeast Asia & ASEAN, Meta; Priyanka Bhalla, Head of Safety Policy, Meta; and Tanya Wilson, Education Lead, EYEYAH!

To further spread awareness, Meta has collaborated with local podcasts to encourage Singaporeans to enable two-step verification and use block and report features on WhatsApp. The company also encourages open conversations about scams, and recommends following trusted sources like ScamShield or the Singapore Police Force for real-time scam alerts.

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For tips on staying safe online, visit about.meta.com/sg/actions/safety/anti-scam