‘No evidence’ that 14 social media posts targeting S’pore Indian community a coordinated campaign: Goh Pei Ming

There is currently no evidence to suggest that the 14 online social media posts, which seemingly targeted the Indian community in Singapore, are a coordinated campaign by any particular government or organisation, said Minister of State for the Ministry of Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming.

He was speaking during the parliament session on Jul. 7 in response to questions posed by Members of Parliament (MPs) on the social media posts.

Earlier on Jun. 6, the authorities ordered social media platforms to block access to the 14 online posts, which contained inflammatory narratives suggesting that Singapore was being "overrun by Indians".

Likely originated from China-based platform

Investigations revealed that the content likely originated from a China-based platform and was subsequently carried on other platforms and websites, Goh said.

"The posts attempted to sow discord by inciting ill-will against our Indian community and sought to undermine Singapore’s model of multiculturalism," Goh added.

The government has since issued Disabling Directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) to block access by Singapore users to the 14 online social media posts.

Goh noted that there has been an increase in AI-enabled and inauthentic content that has seeped into Singapore’s online infospace in recent years.

"We monitor the infospace closely, and will not hesitate to take measures if it is in Singapore’s interests," he said, adding that they will regularly review laws to deal with the evolving landscape.