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Singapore Orders Apple and Google to Block Government Spoofing on iMessage and Google Messages by Nov. 30

Authorities are invoking Singapore's Online Criminal Harms Act to close a loophole left by SMS-only protections.

Overview

  • Apple and Google were directed to prevent or filter senders and group chats that mimic “gov.sg” or agency names on their messaging platforms.
  • Unknown senders’ profile names must be hidden or shown less prominently than phone numbers to reduce the risk of deception.
  • The companies have indicated they will comply with the implementation directives, with non‑compliance punishable by fines up to S$1 million plus daily penalties.
  • Police data cited 1,762 government-impersonation scam cases and about S$126.5 million in losses in the first half of 2025, including over 120 cases impersonating SingPost.
  • The Home Affairs Ministry urged users to update iMessage and Google Messages so the new anti‑spoofing safeguards take effect.