Singapore to block nearly 100 social media accounts linked to Chinese tycoon Guo Wengui

Guo is at the center of” a large network of interconnected internet companies and social media accounts that disseminate propaganda across multiple systems,” according to a 2021 investigation by social media analytics agency Graphika.

The system is willing and able to spread false narratives that are inconvenient to the government’s interests, the ministry added, showing how well coordinated its actions and preference are used to press its agenda.

” The timing of the coordinated posts, which coincided with the period of Singapore’s political leadership transition, is indicative of deliberate planning and actions” .&nbsp,

On May 15 of this year, Lee Hsien Loong took over as prime minister.

TARGETING SINGAPORE DIRECTLY

According to MHA, there are grounds to believe Guo’s system could use the 95 records to launch angry data strategies aimed at Singapore.

For strategies can erode the country’s independence and social unity, it said.

” As seen in overseas instances, they have the potential to reduce trust in democratic techniques, sow discord in neighborhoods, and undermine faith in governments and people institutions”, said the government.

After determining that the requirements set forth by FICA were satisfied, Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam authorized the release of the information.

According to MHA, the social media platforms must “take all fair ways” to cancel any services that allow connections between the specified records and end-users who are actually present in Singapore, according to the instructions.

We urge Singaporeans to be selective when using and posting information online. We may always fact-check the data to see if it is accurate and authentic, against a reliable resource”, it said.