Singapore has ordered social media platforms to block access to 14 posts believed to have originated from China, accusing them of targeting the Indian community and attempting to undermine the country’s multicultural model. Source : https://newsonair.gov.in/
The Singapore Police Force issued Disabling Directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act 2023, requiring YouTube, Facebook and X to prevent users in Singapore from accessing the content.
Speaking to reporters, Edwin Tong said the government would not tolerate foreign efforts to damage Singapore’s racial harmony.
Posts Targeted Indian Community
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs, the content first appeared in Chinese-language online spaces last month and portrayed Singapore’s multiracial policies as a façade designed to appeal to Western audiences.
The posts claimed Singapore’s stability stemmed from its ethnic Chinese majority rather than multiculturalism and alleged that ethnic Indian politicians would favour Indian immigrants.
Some posts warned of a supposed “Indian threat” and used derogatory language, while selectively using images of migrant workers in Little India and religious gatherings to portray overcrowding and social tension.
Authorities Cite Foreign Interference
Investigations found the content likely originated from a China-based platform before spreading to other social media networks.
Singapore authorities described the campaign as a malicious attempt to sow racial discord and inflame tensions involving Indian migrant workers, who play a key role in sectors such as construction.
Officials said the content may violate laws against promoting enmity between racial groups and prejudicing racial harmony.
Singapore Vows Firm Response
The Ministry of Home Affairs stressed that attempts by foreign actors to exploit ethnic fault lines were “doubly unacceptable” and urged citizens to reject xenophobia and divisive narratives.
The move highlights Singapore’s increasingly proactive approach to tackling online content it believes threatens social cohesion and national unity.
