10 foreign-linked websites blocked over potential disinformation ops

They mimic typical news sites, use tactics flagged by global cyber threat researchers

- Osmond Chia

The authorities on Oct 22 ordered the blocking of 10 fake websites linked to foreign actors that could potentially be used to carry out disinformation campaigns against Singapore.

The websites mimic typical news publications and are unlikely to raise suspicion to the untrained eye, but their tactics have been flagged by global cyber threat researchers as having the same playbook as state-run hostile information campaigns.

In a joint statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said on Oct 22 that it is necessary to direct internet access service providers, including Singtel, M1 and StarHub, to block access to the 10 sites for users in Singapore under the Broadcasting Act.

MHA said that, based on investigations, there are no Singaporeans involved in operating any of the websites and the "level of exposure of Singaporeans to these 10 websites is assessed to be currently low".

Although the websites have not mounted any hostile information campaign against Singapore, they could potentially be used to do so in future, said MHA in response to media queries. "It is therefore in the public interest to take pre-emptive action against them."

MHA and IMDA said the websites masquerade as Singapore websites by spoofing or using terms associated with Singapore in their domain names and incorporating familiar local features and visuals.

"They also carried content on Singapore, some of which was generated by artificial intelligence," the authorities added.

"These are common tactics used by malicious foreign actors: build websites which can attract a local following, that may subsequently be used as platforms to mount hostile information campaigns."

MHA and IMDA noted that there are currently no provisions in Singapore's foreign interference law - the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (Fica) - to pre-emptively act against websites.