WHAT SINGAPORE IS ABLE TO Would
The threat of hostile information campaigns is covert because it does n’t manifest in tangible or tangible forms and spreads quickly on social media and other digital platforms that have become increasingly common thanks to mobile and other forms of technology.
As a result, the countermeasures to combat such a low-cost and potent risk may be based solely on one gold shot.
Through norms like FICA and the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, the Singapore government has taken a strong place and made known its lack of compassion for any attempts to propagate disinformation online and elsewhere. Beyond the visible effects, as seen in the most recent limits on the Guo network of accounts, these restrictions send a strong message to any willing bad stars that the authorities in this country are unwilling to take any action.
However, opponents are unlikely to be totally deterred by legislation alone because of the anonymity and low-cost nature of information procedures. The ability to use existing technologies like cellular, digital, social media, and possibly artificial knowledge in the near future also means that trying to take down each and every bill and software will turn into a fruitless game of whack-a-mole.
Therefore, a population that is aware of the nature of angry information campaigns, mindful of how to identify and detect disinformation, and motivated to do their part to stop it from spreading is the most effective counter to these threats.
Singapore’s education officials have now begun looking into how to begin teaching its youth how to prevent these threats from a young age. Public outreach and education programs are being conducted by organizations like the National Library Board in response to the problems of deception.
These efforts, in addition to trusted and reliable mainstream media outlets that are dedicated to accurate and timely reporting, and other interested parties like separate fact-checking organizations, does provide a fundamental and universal first line of defense.
The members are then responsible for taking the threat significantly and working together as a nation to prevent them from falling victim to Guo and his system, both now and in the future.
Nicholas Fang is the director of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, an impartial think tank, for safety and world affairs. He is the founder of Black Dot Research, a business and social research firm that runs an independent fact-checking program. He is also a former elected member of parliament.