Motions · 2024-01-10 · 第 14 届国会

构建包容安全的数字社会

Building an Inclusive and Safe Digital Society

AI 安全与伦理AI 经济与产业AI 与就业AI 与医疗 争议度 3 · 实质辩论

议员质询数字化对劳动力、人工智能影响及心理健康问题，政府回应强调AI带来的机遇，推行技能提升计划支持转型，注重数字包容与心理健康，核心争议在于AI对就业和社会的影响及应对策略。

关键要点

  • • AI影响劳动力
  • • 技能提升支持
  • • 关注心理健康
政府立场

积极拥抱AI，支持劳工转型

政策信号

推动数字技能培训与包容发展

"The competition is not between "man" and "machine" but which economy and society can better use technology to improve our competitiveness and our lives."

参与人员（6）

完整译文（中文）

Hansard 英文原文译文 · 翻译日期：2026-05-02

[(程序文本) 辩论继续。(程序文本)]

议长：通讯及资讯高级国务部长陈杰豪先生。

下午6时24分

通讯及资讯高级国务部长（陈杰豪先生）：议长先生，我支持田佩玲女士提出的动议。

感谢各位议员对建设安全包容的数字社会提出的深思熟虑的建议。我将就数字包容话题发言，张玉娟部长将就数字信任与安全相关议题发言。

议长先生，若获准许，能否请书记员向议员们分发张玉娟部长和我今天将讨论的补充资料？议员们也可通过MP@SG Parl手机应用程序获取讲义。

议长：请继续。[向尊敬的议员们分发讲义副本。]

陈杰豪先生：议长先生，首先让我回应议员们关于数字化对劳动力以及心理健康和福祉影响的观点。

田佩玲女士、沙拉尔·塔哈先生和李显龙先生询问了数字化，尤其是人工智能（AI）对我们的劳动力、中小企业和商业的影响。

人工智能领域，尤其是生成式人工智能，发展迅速。分析师对人工智能对劳动力和产业的影响预测差异很大，有时甚至相互矛盾。但普遍共识是，人工智能已经到来，其发展将对世界产生深远影响，当然也包括我们这个小红点。

我们不应过度恐惧或焦虑这一趋势，而应自信地拥抱人工智能带来的可能性。竞争不是“人”与“机器”的对抗，而是哪个经济体和社会能更好地利用技术提升竞争力和生活质量。

新加坡有良好条件利用人工智能的力量，正如我们在以往技术变革浪潮中所做的那样。政府一贯支持企业和员工适应变化，使他们能充分受益于数字技术带来的机遇。例如，我们利用针对不同行业的岗位转型地图（JTM），帮助雇主和员工了解并为未来技术驱动的岗位做好准备。SkillsFuture和新加坡劳动力发展局提供项目，支持员工提升技能和再培训以胜任新岗位。希望转向技术岗位者可利用资讯通信媒体发展局（IMDA）的技术技能加速器（TeSA）项目。政府将继续与三方伙伴，包括工会，合作推进这项重要工作，正如施恩慈女士、沙拉尔·塔哈先生和李显龙先生所建议的。

温瑞扎尔博士提出了技术对心理健康和福祉的影响问题。本院将在下月“推进心理健康”动议中对此话题进行更全面讨论。这里我先简要介绍通讯及资讯部对此问题的做法。

通讯及资讯部认识到技术和社交媒体使用可能对心理健康和福祉产生严重影响。正如温瑞扎尔博士、副教授拉兹瓦娜·贝古姆、纳迪娅·桑丁女士以及玛丽亚姆·贾法尔女士所提及，这些风险包括接触有害的网络内容，如网络欺凌和自残内容，以及过度和问题性使用社交媒体。为减轻新加坡用户面临的这些风险，通讯及资讯部已推出监管措施以增强用户的网络安全，张玉娟部长稍后将详细说明。

我们还与公共、私营及民间部门的合作伙伴携手，提高新加坡人对网络安全的意识，推广健康平衡使用技术的良好习惯。例如，我们与教育部合作，加强学校的网络健康教育，教导学生成为有辨识力、安全、尊重且负责任的网络空间使用者。学生们还学习尊重与同理心的重要性，如何保护自己和他人，以及必要时寻求帮助。

温瑞扎尔博士还谈到了家长的角色。我们同意家长在引导孩子数字旅程中，尤其是在早期阶段，扮演关键角色。我们与媒体素养理事会等合作伙伴合作，开发家长和看护者资源。

通讯及资讯部还与科技公司合作，于去年三月推出了“网络安全数字工具包”，指导家长利用社交媒体平台上的家长控制、隐私和举报工具，以及自助资源。

这些努力共同旨在让网络空间对所有人更安全，赋能个人掌握保护自己和亲人的知识，这是一项持续的旅程。我们将继续与合作伙伴携手推进。

议长先生，接下来谈谈数字包容主题。议员们提出了许多关于数字化为新加坡人带来益处和机遇的好观点。作为一个资源稀缺的小红点，我们无法脱离全球数字经济，尤其当其他国家积极推进数字化战略，包括利用人工智能等新兴技术时。

因此，我们的目标始终是让数字惠及所有人，使每位新加坡人都能受益。我很高兴所有议员都认同这一信念。

叶汉荣先生、陈洁仪女士、王华汉先生和乌莎·钱德拉达斯女士谈到了新加坡人在数字化过程中面临的一些挑战。我对此深有同感。我在走访、见民众会以及多个焦点小组中遇到许多处境相似的新加坡人。

让数字惠及所有人不仅仅是数字化，还要认识到部分新加坡人在某些交易中仍偏好非数字选项。因此，我们的做法不是一刀切的数字化。例如陈洁仪女士早前提到的社区发展理事会（CDC）购物券，推出一周内，127万户新加坡家庭中有80%领取了购物券。我相信大多数新加坡人是通过数字方式领取的。

但偏好使用实体购物券的人可前往社区中心打印纸质购物券。为更好支持居民，学生志愿者、银发资讯健康大使和数字大使随时提供帮助。

需要面对面政府服务支持的新加坡人可访问我们七个ServiceSG中心之一。中心可协助办理近600项政府服务和计划。去年，约40万笔交易在ServiceSG中心完成，包括Singpass申请、公积金和税务服务等。

让数字惠及所有人还意味着支持所有新加坡人，无论其处境如何，都能从数字化中受益。常言道，一个社会的衡量标准是如何照顾最脆弱群体。我们正采取措施，支持需要更多帮助的人享受数字化带来的好处。

在这方面，我们建立了坚实基础。去年，资讯通信媒体发展局发布了首份《新加坡数字社会报告》，对我们的努力进行了盘点。多年来我们取得了良好进展。我们是全球数字连接最紧密的国家之一。我们的数字包容努力在国际上备受认可。新加坡自2018年至2022年最新报告连续位列包容性互联网指数第一。

这些数据表明我们走在正确道路上，但我们不会自满。感谢议员们提出宝贵建议，如何更好支持低收入家庭、中小企业、长者和残障人士享受数字化成果。

让我谈谈部分努力。

沙拉尔·塔哈先生强调支持低收入家庭数字连接的重要性。资讯通信媒体发展局于去年四月推出DigitalAccess@Home计划，通过简化申请流程，为低收入家庭提供补贴宽带和数字设备支持。迄今已支持约6800户家庭。

特别是结合之前的NEU PC Plus等计划，过去三年我们共支持了2.6万户有学童的家庭获得数字设备。[请参阅《通讯及资讯高级国务部长澄清》，官方报告，2024年1月10日，第95卷，第119期，书面更正部分。]

目前，98%的有学童居民家庭拥有电脑。我们将继续通过DigitalAccess@Home等计划支持剩余2%。这也补充了教育部和学校支持学生居家学习的努力，国家数字素养计划为中学生提供学校指定的个人学习设备。此外，学校还向需要的学生借出电脑和联网设备。

我们将继续与学校和社区伙伴合作，覆盖所有有学童的家庭。

我们还于2020年6月推出了长者手机接入计划，为低收入长者提供补贴智能手机和移动数据计划及培训。自2020年以来，已有超过1.1万名低收入长者受益。

重要的是，产业和社区伙伴在支持低收入家庭数字接入方面发挥重要作用。例如，非营利组织SG Bono翻新捐赠的笔记本电脑，供低收入家庭特别是有学童的家庭使用。我特别高兴得知SG Bono自2021年起将支持扩展至低收入家庭的马德拉萨学生。

维克拉姆·奈尔先生谈到了小贩。这是我们通过“小贩数字化”计划支持的另一类微型企业或新加坡人。截至去年11月，超过1.1万名摊主，即约60%的小贩，已通过新加坡二维码（SGQR）平台采用电子支付。该计划下，SGQR在去年6月至11月间每月促成约510万笔、价值4200万新元的交易。

除了SGQR和电子支付外，这些对小贩和社区商户的数字化支持增强了他们参与其他数字计划的信心，如社区发展理事会购物券。

我很鼓舞看到许多社区商户和小企业在此基础上进一步转型商业模式，抓住电子商务机遇。

叶汉荣先生、王华汉先生等谈到了“长者数字化”计划并询问进展。

“长者数字化”计划旨在为长者提供基本数字技能，使他们也能成为数字社会一员，享受数字化带来的好处。该计划于2020年启动，正值新冠疫情期间需求尤为迫切。迄今我们已为超过28万名长者提供培训。

长者数字技能采纳率逐年提升。例如，2022年86%的长者知道如何在线查找信息，较2019年增长29%。我总被长者们勇于学习数字技能的精神所激励，尽管起初可能有挑战。这体现了他们终身学习的精神，以及数字大使、银发资讯健康大使、家人和朋友耐心引导的奉献。

想学习数字技能的新加坡人可访问全岛37个SG数字社区中心，或前往200多个流动柜台，分布于工作场所、医疗机构和社区空间。

另一方面是包容性设计服务，考虑特定群体需求。纳迪娅·桑丁女士和王华汉先生谈到了支持残障人士。特别感谢王华汉先生代表聋人和视障社区提出反馈和建设性建议。

我们正朝着2030年前使所有高流量政府网站对残障人士完全无障碍的目标迈进。高流量政府网站的完全无障碍比例已从2022年的61%提升至去年的73%。

王华汉先生提到我们已为重要国家活动和关键公共公告引入手语翻译，以改善残障人士获取国家重要信息的渠道。如今，61%的免费电视节目为聋哑及听障观众提供字幕。我们正与媒体集团合作，力争到2030年实现70%的免费电视节目通过手语翻译、字幕或文字转录实现无障碍。

纳迪娅·桑丁女士强调支持残障人士使用辅助技术和学习数字技能的重要性。需要辅助技术（如专用键盘和鼠标）的残障人士可申请社会及家庭发展部（MSF）的辅助技术基金，该基金根据经济状况提供最高90%的设备费用补贴，终身上限为4万新元。该基金可用于购买、更换、升级或维修设备。

他们还可在Tech Able接受设备评估和培训，该中心由SG Enable与残障社会服务机构SPD在赋能村联合管理。纳迪娅女士提到的数字赋能计划是数字生活（DfL）资助项目，支持残障人士掌握混合工作世界所需的数字技能。截至2023年3月，该计划已支持200个培训名额。

我同意王华汉先生的观点，产业伙伴，尤其是提供基本服务的企业，必须发挥作用，提升服务的无障碍性。

我们通过提供资源和工具降低产业伙伴的采纳门槛。SG Enable提供电子无障碍培训和咨询服务，帮助企业了解如何将无障碍功能融入数字服务。GovTech无障碍支持团队（ALLY）开发了Purple ALLY，一款免费开源的测试工具，供数字团队检测如何提升数字产品或服务的无障碍性。

王华汉先生还询问未来数字基础设施设计师和程序员是否会接触数字无障碍知识。我们将继续与高等院校合作。例如，义安理工学院设计文凭课程的学生会设计支持残障用户的电子设备，作为课程内容之一。我们将继续推动高等院校将相关内容纳入课程。

我鼓励产业伙伴利用这些资源，努力让服务对所有新加坡人更具包容性。

同时，我赞赏王华汉先生的精神和建议。作为社会，我们都能做更多，让数字服务和产品更具包容性。第一步往往是理解彼此立场，采取务实措施实现目标。对此，我诚邀王华汉先生与我们的社区伙伴就此议题交流。会后我们将联系他。

这引出我的下一点。政府无法独自完成这项工作。我很高兴许多议员——苏翰妮女士、王华汉先生、乌莎·钱德拉达斯女士等——强调这是全社会的努力。政府、企业、社区和个人必须携手支持需要帮助的不同群体。

2021年启动的数字生活运动是这项集体努力的重要组成部分，进展令人鼓舞，汇聚了公共部门、私营部门和民间部门三大关键伙伴，共同推动这一事业。

超过140个数字生活伙伴已触及27万多名受益者。伙伴们慷慨捐赠约1400万新元至数字生活基金，支持数字包容工作，包括社区自发项目。

我感到欣慰的是，许多人愿意挺身而出支持同胞新加坡人。我鼓励更多伙伴加入，与我们携手合作。

例如，乌莎女士分享了如何更好地让艺术界成员参与数字包容工作。我们一定会联系他们。

议长先生，我们在提升数字连接和服务可及性方面取得了良好进展。但仅有接入还不够。毕竟，如果没有技能利用连接和数字设备，连接又有何用？玛丽亚姆·贾法尔女士谈到了人工智能素养，沙拉尔·塔哈先生谈到必须为所有新加坡人，尤其是低收入家庭学生，提供机会。我同意他们的看法。

教育部去年九月推出“通过技术转型教育”计划，进一步加强学生数字素养和技术技能发展，首先从人工智能素养开始。昨天，教育部也回应了议员们关于学生学习人工智能机会的提问。

我们与教育部合作推出了“编程乐趣”（Code For Fun）项目，让学生接触编程和计算思维。自2020年起，所有小学高年级学生必须参加“编程乐趣”或类似编程课程。

随着科技的不断发展，信息通信媒体发展局（IMDA）和教育部（MOE）将审视CFF充实计划，确保其内容相关且与时俱进。我们正努力在2025年更新的课程中引入有关人工智能和数据素养的新内容。

在校外，学生、青年和公众有许多机会探索新技术。例如，社区合作伙伴如SGBono和VIVITA一直与勿洛社会服务处合作，将科技体验带给来自较弱势背景、通常没有此类机会的儿童。早些时候，议员们提出了许多社区中的良好倡议。

针对公众，我们在图书馆推出了ExperienceIT和MakeIT等项目。这些项目通过信息展示和动手活动，展示了人工智能、机器学习和3D打印等新兴技术和创新。因此，请大家到附近的图书馆参观这些展览和展示。

同时，我们认识到有些人可能尚未准备好掌握更高级的数字技能，可能希望先专注于建立基础，安全上网，并在日常生活中自信地使用数字服务和工具。

为支持这一点，IMDA今天将推出“数字生活技能”（Digital Skills for Life，简称DSL）。在分发的资料中，议员们会找到一份关于DSL的详细说明。与现有为新加坡人提供职场或特定行业数字技能的框架不同，DSL概述了使新加坡人能够在线完成日常任务的数字技能。我们参考了海外案例并征求了专家意见，但更重要的是，我们听取了新加坡人自己的声音。我们从过去三年通过“长者数字行动”计划接触超过28万名长者的见解中获益良多，特别感谢去年参与试点的1.6万名学习者提供的宝贵反馈。

DSL框架涵盖五项能力。首先，设置和使用智能设备，掌握设备的基本功能操作。第二，在线探索信息。通过互联网，我们可以获取无限的信息和新机会，但需要知道如何安全地搜索、查看和检索这些信息以供使用。第三，与他人在线沟通。第四，在线交易以提高便利性——例如访问银行和政府服务、预约医疗等。最重要的是第五，在线安全、聪明且友善——了解如何防范诈骗和虚假信息，以及如何建立积极的网络形象。

这些都是实用技能，能切实改善新加坡人的日常生活。让我分享一个例子。几年前，我在勿洛心跳社区中心的SG数字社区中心遇到一位老年女士。她向我们的数字大使提出许多关于如何使用智能手机的问题，我看到她在一个小笔记本上认真做笔记。她大约五十多岁，讲普通话。当我问她在学什么时，她的回答令我既惊讶又感动。她说自己曾是网络诈骗的受害者，损失了一些钱。她来这里学习如何确保此类事情不再发生。她没有恐惧或退缩，而是希望通过学习保护自己，正面应对问题。

有许多长者像她一样。社区中心的数字大使耐心地向她讲解了对我们所有人都有用的实用网络安全技巧。例如，如何创建更强的密码，而不是使用诈骗者容易猜到的默认密码“Password”。她坚韧的精神和学习意愿令我非常感动，我们希望为像她这样的新加坡人提供合适的工具、资源和能力，帮助他们掌握所需技能。

为此，我们正与数字生活运动（DfL）下的合作伙伴合作，开发符合DSL框架的资源。有兴趣的学习者可以在SG数字社区中心进行面对面学习，数字大使和银发信息通信健康大使将陪伴数字技能较弱的新加坡人共同学习。学习者也可以按自己的节奏学习，并通过数字生活门户网站访问视频和指南。那些希望帮助家人和朋友掌握技能的人可以利用这些资源进行教学。英文数字资源将从本月起逐步推出，中文、马来语和泰米尔语资源将在今年上半年提供。

先生，请允许我用普通话说几句话。

（普通话）：[请参阅方言发言。]“数字生活技能”（DSL）是一场自下而上的运动，我们希望看到更多合作伙伴和组织加入，共同努力取得成功。

我们将把相关内容和其他教学材料在线免费提供给合作伙伴使用。这是我们对全球数字化进程的一点贡献。

我们的合作伙伴在开展数字技能培训时可以参考这些资源，也可以采用创新方式促进学习，进一步推广DSL运动。例如，将材料制作成游戏，使儿童学习更有趣生动，或制作方言音视频内容，向长者介绍五项基本技能。

我希望大家善用这些资源，让更多新加坡人受益。

DSL框架是帮助新加坡人开启数字旅程的起点。正如我们学习写字要先掌握每一笔，数字技能的学习也必须从最基础开始。有了坚实的基础，随着数字技术的发展，我们将更有信心学习新技能，跟上时代步伐。

我们将定期审视该框架，确保其内容符合当前需求。

（英语）：让我总结一下。多年来，我们在建设包容且安全的数字社会愿景方面取得了巨大进展。我们在设备和宽带连接方面拥有坚实的“硬件”基础。我们正在加强“软件”层面，提升新加坡人的技能和能力，使他们能够安全、自信地在网络空间中导航，充分利用激动人心的数字机遇。

然而，正如许多议员热情表达的，我们必须超越“硬件”和“软件”，培养我们的“心智”，即我们如何相互对待，营造一个更友善的网络空间，在这里我们努力倾听以求理解，而不是大声争辩；努力尊重他人观点，即使在某些问题上存在分歧，也能找到共同点；努力说出善意的话语，而不是加入传播负能量。

在现实世界中，我们放心让亲人自由走在街上，相信他们会有愉快的互动，不必时刻提防威胁。我们相信有规范指导我们的行为和相互交流。我们也应将这种信任带入网络空间，让长者能无忧上网，孩子们能自信上网，不必担心网络欺凌或接触有害内容。

但维护数字街道安全，全靠我们每个人。我们每个人都能发挥作用，共建更安全、更包容、更友善的数字社会。先生，我支持该动议。

议长：通讯及资讯部长张玉娟女士。

通讯及资讯部长（张玉娟女士）：议长先生，我支持由陈佩玲女士提出的动议，并感谢她与沙拉尔·塔哈先生、苏翰妮女士、陈洁仪女士和任伟文先生共同关注这一重要议题。

2014年智慧国计划启动时，我们设想新加坡成为“一个人们过着有意义且充实生活的国家，技术无缝支持，提供激动人心的机会给所有人”。

十年过去了，这一愿景确实实现了。科技已成为我们日常生活的重要部分，84%的新加坡人表示在某种程度上受益。我们经济中每100元的附加值中，至少有17元来自数字相关活动。2022年，这一数字达到1060亿新元，超过金融服务和保险业，与批发贸易相当。

如今，新加坡有超过20万个科技岗位，中位数工资高于本地劳动力。虽然仅占所有岗位的5%以上，但其他行业中也有成千上万个岗位因数字技术而得到提升。

我们的目标是让所有新加坡人都能从这些发展中受益。高级国务部长陈杰辉谈到了数字包容以及政府确保各社会群体均能感受到利益的努力。

与此同时，我们的数字生活方式也带来了新风险。网络攻击、诈骗和有害内容对我们的安全构成日益增长的威胁。正如许多议员指出的，社会信任——对正常人际交往至关重要——可能会被削弱。

我将重点谈两个主题。第一，我们迄今为止在数字领域保护新加坡人所做的工作；第二，我们还需要做些什么以保障人们安全。

先生，在大多数领域，新加坡可以借鉴其他国家的治理经验。但在数字领域，几乎没有现成的、经过验证的解决方案。事实上，新加坡被视为数字治理的先行者，并因此获得认可。

李显龙先生谈到企业需要以道德方式保护和处理客户信息。我们十多年前就开始应对这一问题。2012年，我们推出了个人数据保护法（PDPA），早于欧盟的通用数据保护条例（GDPR）。到2020年，我们修订该法，加强了组织责任和消费者保护，同时增强了使用个人数据进行创新的信心。2018年，我们颁布了网络安全法，针对网络空间威胁，特别是关键资讯基础设施（CII）面临的威胁。

除了保护关键资讯基础设施，我们还推出了帮助企业提升网络安全防护的举措。李先生建议开发行业特定资源，我们赞同。在下一阶段的SG网络安全企业计划中，网络安全局（CSA）将推出行业特定的网络安全举措，首先涵盖医疗保健和制造业。

此外，我此前宣布我们预计将更新网络安全法，以确保其适用性。关于拟议修订的公众咨询正在进行中。

2019年，鉴于虚假信息的危害，我们推出了防止网络虚假信息和操纵法案（POFMA）。作为一个小型、多种族、多宗教的国家，新加坡特别容易受到加剧社会分裂的虚假信息影响。POFMA是维护事实基础设施的精准工具，其效用在新冠疫情期间尤为明显，有效抵御了关于疫苗和疫情相关死亡的各种虚假信息。

2021年，为应对其他国家可能针对我们的敌对信息活动，我们推出了外国干预（对策）法案（FICA），确保新加坡政治仅属于新加坡人。

万瑞扎尔博士、玛丽亚姆·贾法尔女士和纳迪娅·桑姆丁女士谈到了儿童接触有害网络内容的风险。我们也采取了措施应对。2023年7月，信息通信媒体发展局（IMDA）推出了网络安全行为准则，要求在新加坡具有重大影响力的社交媒体服务采取措施，最大限度减少用户接触有害内容，包括额外保护18岁以下儿童的措施。

瑞扎尔博士和纳迪娅女士建议平台实施年龄认证措施。目前尚无万无一失的方法防止社交媒体平台上的虚假年龄声明，但技术已有进步。如今，年龄认证可在不侵犯隐私的前提下达到较高准确度。信息通信媒体发展部（MCI）和IMDA正密切关注相关发展，并将研究可行的监管选项，通过年龄认证更好地保护儿童上网安全。

我知道达里尔·大卫先生将谈及应对网络危险，如网络跟踪和身体羞辱，并为受害者提供支持。目前，网络骚扰和人肉搜索受2014年防骚扰法管辖。受害者可通过2021年设立的防骚扰法庭寻求救济，该法庭已服务数千人。

法律部（MinLaw）正在进一步研究如何更好地赋权受害者制止此类网络伤害并追究责任。法律部的努力将补充信息通信媒体发展部（MCI）加强政府监管工具包的工作，以及内政部（MHA）应对网络犯罪的努力，后者我稍后会详细说明。

先生，从我所述内容可见，我们积极且逐步推出了数字治理的新法律和规章。我们有意识地避免一刀切的方法，而是采取渐进式策略，深入理解问题，并在确定有效措施时迅速行动。

对于未经验证的解决方案，我们并未完全止步，而是推出了示范框架或自愿采纳的指导方针。

我们还开发了实用工具，帮助组织履行监管义务或提升治理标准。未来可预见，这将继续是新加坡数字治理的方式。事实上，这也是我们处理人工智能治理的方式。感谢瑞扎尔博士、林占武先生和玛丽亚姆女士强调负责任使用和开发人工智能的重要性。

议员们可能记得，早在2019年推出首个国家人工智能战略（NAIS）之前，我们就推出了区域首创的人工智能治理示范框架（MGF）。2021年，新加坡成为全球首批开发安全负责任人工智能测试框架和软件工具包（AI Verify）的国家之一。

最近，我们承诺制定关于人工智能系统中个人数据使用的指导方针，包括保护儿童等弱势群体个人数据的保障措施。

全球人工智能治理的对话非常重要。新加坡将继续积极参与国际论坛，如全球人工智能伙伴关系和联合国人工智能高级咨询委员会。

正如陈洁仪女士和玛丽亚姆女士所提，我们通过NAIS 2.0更新了人工智能战略。我们将很快更新应对人工智能风险的建议。例如，我们非常关注生成式人工智能被滥用于传播虚假信息和实施定向诈骗。

减轻偏见和提升人工智能模型的可解释性对于负责任地开发和部署人工智能也至关重要。我们计划本月晚些时候发布MGF 2.0供公众咨询。

在数字领域的所有风险中，有一类尤其令人担忧——诈骗。这是几乎所有议员都提到的问题。

近期对诈骗的关注看似新鲜，实则与过去的欺诈案件非常相似。年长的新加坡人可能记得1970年代假保险单的销售。2006年，阳光帝国伪装成多层次营销公司，运营庞氏骗局，承诺高额回报。2010年代初，SureWin4U庞氏骗局诱骗受害者投资赌场投注计划。

如今，诈骗者利用技术销售假工作、假爱情和假折扣商品，如鸡蛋或旅游套餐。通过多样化、快速和大规模手段，他们比以往造成更多受害者。每当我与诈骗受害者交谈，听到他们的痛苦经历，我就想起童年时经历的类似恐慌。

1970年代，我与祖母住在柔佛街的一座老店屋。多次半夜被附近的“着火了！着火了！”喊声惊醒。我们几乎不知道火势会蔓延多远多快，只知道必须准备逃命。这种恐惧和无助感，终生难忘。

如今，火灾隐患大多得到控制，大多数火灾事件影响有限。这是因为我们有训练有素、装备精良的消防员来控制火情。还有包括消防安全规范在内的法规预防潜在火灾事故。我们也有组织和市民的支持，共同营造和维护安全的防火环境。

在许多方面，我们打击诈骗的方式就像我们成功扑灭火灾一样。我们投入资源加强能力，以遏制新兴诈骗活动的影响。两年前，新加坡警察部队（SPF）成立了反诈骗指挥部（ASCom）。这有助于迅速追踪资金并冻结涉诈银行账户。2023年上半年，ASCom冻结了超过9,000个银行账户，追回了约5,080万新元的受害者损失。

我们还部署了工具来限制受害者的损失，就像使用阻燃剂减缓火势蔓延一样。

银行实施了紧急“杀开关”，客户若怀疑账户被入侵，可以快速暂停账户。去年11月，多家银行推出了“资金锁定”功能，允许客户在银行账户中预留一笔金额，该金额不能通过数字方式转账。

另一个近期例子是降低了网上公积金（CPF）提款的默认每日限额，且未经强身份验证无法提高。会员还可以通过启用CPF提款锁轻松禁用网上CPF提款，该锁会立即将限额降至0元。

先生，这些遏制措施虽有帮助，但我们更希望从源头防止诈骗发生。预防性保障说起来容易做起来难，因为它们需要与业界密切协调。已有或正在实施多项措施。

首先，我们将持续封堵诈骗者接触潜在受害者的已知渠道。各位议员还记得，不久前诈骗者冒充关键机构的短信ID，诱骗受害者泄露银行凭证。为应对这一问题，信息通信媒体发展局（IMDA）推出了创新方案。自去年1月起，所有使用字母数字发件人ID发送短信的机构，必须在新加坡短信发件人ID登记处（SSIR）注册。未注册发件人的短信会被标记为“可能是诈骗”，以提醒手机用户。

SSIR效果显著。强制实施的前三个月内，诈骗短信案件下降了70%，且在新报案件中仍占少数——不足5%。此外，电信公司在其网络内部署防火墙，主动阻断可疑电话及试图冒充本地号码的电话。这些努力也很有效。2023年被阻断的可疑国际电话数量较去年几乎翻倍。为进一步保护公众，电信公司现已为用户提供阻止手机接收国际电话的选项，国际电话是诈骗电话的常见来源。

先生，虽然我们可以引入阻断措施，但必须预料诈骗者会不断以新方式“放火”。正如王议员所言，诈骗者越来越多地滥用网络平台欺骗潜在受害者。为更有效应对，我们推出了《网络刑事危害法》（OCHA），将从今年起逐步实施。许多议员支持该法案，我再次感谢他们。

该法允许当局迅速下令封锁涉嫌用于犯罪（包括诈骗）的网络账户或内容。为保护高风险平台上的消费者，我们还将施加事前要求，如更严格的身份验证要求。

第二组预防措施旨在阻断欺诈交易，即使受害者已被骗。这包括防止Singpass账户被接管。因此，去年我们在Singpass认证流程中增加了更多摩擦。

进行高风险交易时，用户需进行面部验证。为防范冒充尝试（如宝女士所问），面部验证包括活体检测，可防止使用静态照片等攻击。

面部验证也作为高风险CPF电子服务的额外保障引入。自此，因未经授权的CPF提款导致的诈骗损失已无新增。

去年，我们还观察到诈骗者利用恶意软件绕过现有防护，在受害者账户上进行未经授权的欺诈交易。发现这一新型诈骗后，我们与银行合作，增强其欺诈和恶意软件检测能力。受感染设备被阻止与银行交易。虽然无法量化，但否则可能损失数百万新元。

最终，我们的设备本身必须更能抵御诈骗者发起的恶意软件攻击——正如田女士所述。因此，我们正与关键业界合作，提升新加坡销售的移动设备安全性。例如，我们正与谷歌合作设计新功能，更好地检测并阻止用户在安卓设备上下载恶意文件。

第三组措施涉及更严厉的后果，以威慑“洗钱马仔”滥用我们的关键数字服务（如Singpass）实施诈骗。我们近期加强立法，将故意泄露Singpass凭证协助诈骗的个人定为刑事犯罪。我们也在审议如何将此原则扩展至向诈骗者出售SIM卡者。

先生，打击诈骗是团队合作，政府无法独自完成。陈女士提到平台运营商、电信公司和设备制造商需做更多工作，提升用户网络安全。我们赞同。正如王议员和陈议员所言，我们需要企业确保客户在网络互动时享有安全环境。

去年8月，华侨银行（OCBC）成为新加坡首批禁止客户设备存在潜在风险应用时访问账户的银行之一。部分客户感到不便，但实际上，他们可能是首月避免至少200万新元损失的受益者。金融管理局（MAS）随后与其他主要银行合作，实施类似防护措施。

多位议员也谈及大型企业应承担更多责任，减轻未经授权交易导致的诈骗。今年即将推出的共享责任框架（SRF）将进一步强化银行和电信公司保护客户免受网络钓鱼诈骗威胁的责任。在SRF的公众咨询期间，收到许多建议，与今天提出的类似，涉及扩大覆盖更多诈骗类型和更多实体，除银行和电信公司外。

SRF涵盖网络钓鱼诈骗，因为这类诈骗是导致未经消费者知情和同意的欺诈交易的主要原因。与其他司法辖区仅对银行施加义务的赔付框架相比，SRF已涵盖更广泛实体，包括电信公司。

SRF明确规定银行和电信公司的职责，确保其对受害者负责。即使未违反职责，因而无赔付，受害者仍有其他救济途径，包括银行的善意赔偿框架，可为新型诈骗受害者提供一定安慰。正如去年议会所述，MAS已督促银行更宽容地应用其善意框架。

尽管有这些补充措施，政府将考虑如何通过SRF或其他可用手段，增强关键实体的责任和加强对个人的保护。

我们听到具体呼吁，特别是针对涉及恶意软件和网络钓鱼导致未经授权交易的诈骗变种，纳入社交媒体平台和封闭消息服务。我感谢维克拉姆·奈尔议员和宝女士承认存在权衡和道德风险，政府无法采取一刀切的做法。

关于实体令牌，客户可按需申请。但我须提醒，现有实体令牌虽能抵抗恶意软件，但仍易受网络钓鱼攻击。相关机构正研究长期解决方案，如田女士提及的快速身份在线（FIDO）通行密钥。

先生，感谢各位议员认可我们采取的多项措施及机构面临的挑战，如维克拉姆·奈尔议员指出的。对于叶汉荣议员建议借鉴国外最佳实践，我们一直积极主动。我们的努力包括交流最新诈骗变种信息及打击策略。

然而，尽管有这些努力，仍有人质疑：“新加坡在打击诈骗方面是否松懈？”

恰恰相反，新加坡在打击诈骗方面被广泛视为思想和行动的领导者。与国际同行交流时，我只能告诉大家，他们对我们实施的一些举措感到惊叹，认为在他们的环境中难以想象，且仍属前沿。这些包括广泛的电话阻断、短信发件人ID登记处（SSIR）、银行现用的杀开关，以及公积金局的措施。

我们设有反诈骗指挥部，银行和即将加入的其他实体共处一地；我们有ScamShield；还有业内人士非常关注的后台流程——这些流程在此间无人详谈——在各机构及利益相关者间顺畅跟进线索，这令他们难以实现。

许多措施也大幅减少了损失。因此，问题来了：“为何有排名将新加坡列为受害者损失较多的地区之一？”

我只能说，在许多地方，诈骗受害者不会费心举报，因为他们不指望相关机构能有所作为。因此，这类报告反映的是新加坡的举报率非常高。当然，这并非轻视损失金额，但我们必须认识这一事实。

在这方面，我认为公众在关注和接受反诈骗公共教育方面表现出色。我理解这有时令他们焦虑——因为他们在公交站、组屋底层、数字显示屏上不断看到相关信息，参加基层活动时，议员也劝他们听警方讲反诈骗措施。我感谢大家的关注，这确实带来一定焦虑。

但这是我们整体反诈骗防御的重要组成部分，无法回避，我们也致力通过多种方式加强。问题是：我们还能做些什么？

首先，让我们退一步，承认所有国家都认识到，面对诈骗，没有灵丹妙药。没有单一措施能一劳永逸。业内称之为“棘手问题”。在网络安全和诈骗领域，解决一个问题，坏人就会转移阵地，必须重新开始。

因此，灵活应对至关重要。一个很好的例子是我们如何迅速转向应对此前未曾预见的恶意软件诈骗。说“你应该预见到”很容易，实际操作却不易。

在此背景下，最重要的是不要将辩论政治化或妖魔化任何群体，因为你不知道下一种诈骗变种出现时，需要与谁合作解决问题。妖魔化任何群体都不是好主意，我们应有意识地避免。这个问题在其他国家也出现过，这是我们吸取的教训。不要四处妖魔化，指责“你应该这样做，那样做”，我们迟早需要他们。保持关系，寻找合作方式更为明智。

因此，在此我认真聆听了议员们的发言，非常感谢大家。我注意到工人党议员中多次提及一个词汇，维克拉姆·奈尔议员也回应了，他不同意所谓“信心危机”的说法。

我不确定这样描述问题的目的是什么。我们确实面临问题，并非常重视。但让我从机构和官员的角度分享他们的感受。

这有点像前线消防员。你尽一切办法，首先了解地形，努力扑灭火灾，防止蔓延。此时，有一群旁观者，不是为他们祈祷、鼓励，而是指责他们“你应该这样做，那样做”——说教。

当他们努力扑灭部分火灾，准备迎战下一场火灾时，旁观者却说：“谢天谢地，我早说过。”你看，多么了不起！

我对议员们说，请多体谅。这是一场艰难的战斗，我认为我们的机构和所有参与者不仅是公务员，也包括私营部门人员。这是艰苦工作。我记得有议员说这工作很不讨好，我相信是苏汉妮女士，我感谢她的认可。让我们为他们加油。这并不容易。

所以，先生，总体而言，我仍很高兴各方支持该动议，并大体避免了作秀。我呼吁议员们利用自己的网络和社交媒体影响力，不要传播轻率标签，而是传播真正能帮助人们的工具意识。我认为这才是更好的社交媒体影响力使用方式。请合理使用。

我恳请所有提出建议的议员，给予我们的机构时间考虑反馈，优先处理最关键的事项，因为实际上不是做更多，而是持续做正确的事。任何时候，我们都会推出新措施，同时设计更多措施。事实上，我今天想宣布三项。

鉴于应用程序是最常见的在线交易方式，我们也需要应用开发者设计安全功能。因此，网络安全局（CSA）将发布新的推荐安全应用标准（Standard），建议应用开发者采用，以确保其应用上的高风险货币交易安全。

该标准将列出最佳实践，降低恶意行为者利用应用设计漏洞的风险。例如，应用可设计为在授权高风险交易（如访问资产或储蓄）前，要求用户进行额外身份验证。

标准还建议开发者在应用中内置恶意软件检测功能，因为此功能已被证明能有效阻断诈骗者利用受感染设备进行未经授权交易。随着新技术出现或技术演进，CSA将纳入更多有效做法。

CSA还将考虑如何帮助终端用户轻松识别符合该标准的应用。由于该标准是新推出，我们将适时评估其效用，并决定是保持自愿采用还是强制执行。

除了人们使用的应用，我们还必须更好保护弱势群体。为加强防范他们被骗注册并承担诈骗电话线路费用，IMDA发布了保护弱势消费者的电信公司指导建议。

该建议呼吁采取措施，帮助前线员工在服务注册时识别弱势消费者，并处理疑似被利用的案例。指导建议还鼓励电信公司为受诈骗影响的弱势消费者免除费用。基于早期案例，内政部（MHA）也在探索更好保护公众的方式，尤其是那些尽管警方和家人警告仍相信诈骗者的人。

随着环境演变，我们需要培养新能力，以跟上诈骗者和网络风险的步伐。多位议员提及深度伪造技术被滥用制作诱人宣传，如近期利用领导人肖像推广加密货币诈骗的广告。对此我们高度关注。

作为第一步，信息通信媒体发展局（MCI）和新加坡科学技术研究局（A*STAR）将正式启动在线安全先进技术中心（CATOS）。该中心将成为一个平台，汇聚我们在新加坡的研究合作伙伴、企业和从业者社区，共同构建更安全的互联网能力。

这些能力可能包括以下工具和措施：（a）检测有害内容，如深度伪造和非事实性声明；（b）注入水印或追踪数字内容的来源；以及（c）为弱势群体提供资源，帮助他们核实在线遇到的信息。

这些研究工作还将有助于为我们正在研究的深度伪造等问题制定新的立法或监管措施。正如陈女士指出的，即使政府和企业付出了大量努力，我们每个人作为个体也必须尽自己的责任，保持网络警惕。

首先，我们应采取措施减轻诈骗风险，即使这些措施看起来不便或过于严格。这可能意味着下载并启用ScamShield应用程序，或为在线服务开启多因素认证。我们应避免从不熟悉的来源下载应用程序，避免回应承诺保证投资回报或赠品的可疑视频。访问网站时，个人也应保持警惕，始终检查浏览器地址栏中的网址。

我们同意王先生的看法，消费者银行和通讯服务提供商可以做更多工作，促使用户养成这些习惯。政府将继续与关键行业参与者合作，进一步加强提高公众意识的努力。

其次，我们应自我教育，了解最新的诈骗趋势和反诈骗措施，例如ScamAlert.sg上的内容。我们应利用现有工具，在网上交易时做出更明智的决定。这些工具包括电子商务市场交易安全评级（TSR），提供有关电子商务平台防诈骗安全性的相关信息。

即使我们继续努力阻止诈骗和追回损失，也不能忘记受害者所经历的创伤。我们理解受害者经历的恐慌和焦虑。因此，新加坡警察部队（SPF）培训了志愿受害者关怀官，为受害者提供情感和实际支持。SPF网站上的反诈骗资源指南也列出了社区支持的其他途径。

沙拉尔·塔哈先生建议审查冻结银行账户的流程，冻结时间持续整个调查期间。SPF仅在有理由怀疑银行账户涉及犯罪活动时才会冻结账户。调查所需时间因案件而异。

被冻结账户的受害者可能会由银行提供新账户，但可能会限制某些功能访问，或受到加强监控措施。但这些账户仍能满足基本银行需求，如接收工资和政府补助。受害者也可以向法院申请提取合理生活费或其他合法开支。议长先生，请允许我用中文结束发言。

议长：部长，您大约有两分钟时间。够用吗？如果不够，我建议议会领袖提出——

张玉娟女士：我会控制时间的。

议长：好的，请继续。

张玉娟女士：（中文发言）[请参见方言发言。]议长先生，首先，我想重申我对陈佩玲女士提出的动议的支持。

新加坡的数字化进程带来了巨大好处，如为我们的人民和企业创造了新的经济机会。然而，它也带来了新的风险，包括许多人关心的数字诈骗。

因此，政府必须使我们的人民能够乘势而上，抓住数字化转型带来的机遇，同时尽一切可能加强数字领域的安全和信任。

为此，政府优先处理诈骗问题。许多措施已经实施并证明有效。然而，随着诈骗者不断演变其手法，我们也必须更新我们的对策。

政府将推出三项新措施，进一步加强防范诈骗的能力。它们是：增强移动应用程序的安全性；为电信公司提供保护弱势消费者的指导方针；以及努力开发先进技术打击诈骗。

打击诈骗没有灵丹妙药，政府也无法单独完成。这是一场需要每个人合作的长期战斗。

但我相信，通过持续努力和每个人的贡献，这场战斗最终可以赢得胜利。谢谢。

议长：您还有30秒时间。林秀仪女士。

晚上7时33分

林秀仪女士（亚裕尼） ：谢谢议长。我想回应信息通信媒体发展局部长提到我和同事们关于走向信心危机的说法。

首先，我要明确表示，我的发言并非为了政治化问题或制造恐慌。我的目的是反映我所看到的公众中相当大一部分的当前情绪。我想提供五个理由，说明我是如何得出这一观点的。

首先，根据信息通信媒体发展局于去年11月发布的新加坡数字社会报告，数据显示，99%的60岁及以上人士担心成为诈骗受害者。99%，几乎是该年龄组的全部人群。

其次，今天辩论过程中，我们也听到议员们谈到居民忽视官方通讯，因为他们无法辨别信息是否真正来自政府，还是诈骗信息。因此，报名参加“更健康新加坡”的信息被忽视。

第三，我想我们都知道诈骗损失的统计数据。正如部长本人指出的，尽管现在有大量公众教育，但这也可能导致公众感到焦虑，这种焦虑是真实存在的。

第四，我本人收到公众反馈，有人表达了希望关闭账户的愿望。这些人可能包括退休人员，涉及他们的公积金交易等。我认为这并非孤立事件。

最后，第五个理由是，随着新成立的数字基础设施和服务韧性与安全特别工作组，我相信其目的是监督公众信心相关事务。

因此，我认为公众信心确实存在严重问题，我提到的这些因素也印证了这一点。我也认可各机构所做的工作——我们并非对此无知。我们当然感激并意识到这是一项重大且全天候的任务。

所以，议长先生，我认为我有权表达我的观点，就像部长有权表达她的观点一样。

张玉娟女士：议长先生，我感谢林女士的澄清。我认为我们每个人都有权表达观点，这无可置疑。但这根本不是意见问题。只是希望辩论结束后，为了那些无法参与讨论的公众，议员们发布的信息不要仅仅使用耸人听闻、醒目的标题。

我非常希望我们能把努力集中在真正能带来改变的事情上。这就是我所请求的。我很欣赏各方在这个问题上的共识，也呼吁议员们——让我们保持这种状态。这是我们赢得反诈骗战争的唯一途径。

议长：达里尔·大卫先生。

晚上7时37分

达里尔·大卫先生（宏茂桥）：议长先生，今天的动议“建设包容且安全的数字社会”涵盖范围非常广泛。我们确实听到了从许多不同角度探讨这一话题的观点。

作为文化、社区与青年及教育常设政策委员会副主席，我想聚焦在线伤害问题及其对社区中特定两组群体——女性和儿童的影响。同时，也从教育角度探讨如何通过教育减轻在线伤害的影响。

虽然尚无普遍接受的在线伤害定义，但大致可描述为可能直接或间接对个人造成身体或情感伤害的在线行为，或在线发布的有害信息，或通过电子方式发送给个人的信息。

越来越多国家意识到在线伤害的危险及其对弱势群体的负面影响。英国于2023年10月通过《在线安全法案》，保护人们，尤其是儿童免受在线伤害。

新加坡也采取积极措施，通过2022年推出《在线安全行为准则》和《社交媒体服务内容守则》，以及2023年通过《在线刑事伤害法》，如辩论中所提及。

虽然这些行为准则和法规是善意制定的，值得称赞且非常必要，旨在使网络空间更安全，但它们也较为笼统，可能无法充分反映在线伤害的复杂性。

议长先生，网络世界在许多方面与线下物理世界一样多样，甚至更多。在线伤害因其模糊性而难以监管，尽管它们不受欢迎且道德上有问题，但许多行为严格来说并不违法。例如，如何定义和监管网络喷子、抵制运动和网络羞辱？不同人对这些行为的理解和解释可能有所不同，取决于他们是行为的实施者还是受害者。

这些在线行为虽然不违法，但可能导致严重的心理压力、情绪痛苦，降低受害者自我价值感，若长期不加控制，甚至可能导致身体伤害。

我认为迫切需要解决这些非违法但令人痛苦的在线伤害，因为它们更可能在社交媒体平台上日常发生，影响更广泛的社区，且比恐怖主义宣传、儿童性虐待及其他剥削材料等明显的在线危险更难发现和处理。

我想谈谈对在线危险和在线伤害进行更细致分类的必要性。

明显的在线危险，如恐怖主义宣传、性剥削和虐待、威胁种族和宗教和谐及公共卫生，与网络跟踪、身体羞辱、不受欢迎的性骚扰、网络喷子和抵制运动等在线伤害完全不同。因此，将它们归为同一类不良在线内容，有时可能掩盖这些在线伤害的性质和影响，降低补救措施的有效性。

世界经济论坛最近开发了在线伤害分类法，提供了更细致的划分，从内容生产、分发、消费以及伤害是否通过与他人互动（基于接触）或通过技术促成的行为（基于行为）进行分析。

我认为我们需要采用类似方法，在新加坡对在线伤害进行更细致分类，以建立更健全的监管框架，在学校和社区实施针对性的预防教育，教育新加坡人，尤其是女性和儿童，抵御在线伤害，并通过与民间社会及其他团体合作，提供以受害者为中心的下游补救支持，包括法律和非法律援助。

议长先生，一项由RySense、阳光行动联盟和信息通信媒体发展局联合进行的最新研究显示，近50%的样本经历过某种形式的在线伤害——不出意外，女性更不安全，更可能成为在线伤害的目标。令人担忧的是，受害者不愿寻求补救，前三大原因是：（a）认为因互联网匿名性，施害者不会被追究；（b）社交媒体平台的举报渠道无效；（c）受害者不知道该怎么办。

另外，SG Her Empowerment发布的《10个在线伤害误区》报告指出，25至34岁的女性更易遭受在线伤害，且相当一部分年轻人认为在线伤害不如线下严重，且只要离线就会停止。令人担忧的是，还有年轻人认为上传图片的女性应接受负面评论，甚至认为未请求的色情图片是可以接受的。这些观念令人不安。

这两项研究结果发人深省。

首先，它们表明在线伤害的实际受害者可能比我们想象的更多，因为许多受害者不愿披露经历，认为披露和举报对他们的遭遇无济于事。

其次，结果也表明，不仅公众对这些伤害缺乏认识，年轻人对这些伤害可能带来的后果也存在一定程度的冷漠，讽刺的是，他们自己更可能成为此类行为的目标。

进一步说，缺乏认识和冷漠可能导致年轻人无意中成为此类行为的施害者。

议长先生，我认为我们需要通过以受害者为中心的教育和补救措施，遏制和消除受害者和年轻人中的这些错误观念。

首先，我鼓励教育部为学生创建强制性的在线学习模块，使他们更好地理解在线伤害的错误内容性质，了解其传播和消费如何给受害者带来痛苦和伤害，以及如果成为受害者应寻求何种帮助。就像一些公司要求员工完成年度强制性个人数据保护法（PDPA）电子学习和测验一样，也许新加坡所有达到一定年龄的学生都必须完成该模块，并在在线伤害测验中取得最低分数。

其次，我希望我们能对在线伤害的施害者采取更严厉的立场，考虑到这些伤害对受害者可能造成的长期创伤影响。当社交媒体平台删除被认定的冒犯性内容时，是否可以考虑禁止或限制相关IP地址访问平台或创建新账户？

第三，目前我认为只有一个专门机构——SG Her Empowerment，提供在线伤害受害者援助。政府是否考虑与其他民间社会团体，尤其是社区团体合作，为在线伤害受害者提供更多求助渠道？

为了进一步鼓励在线伤害受害者寻求帮助，并增强他们对施害者将被追究的信心，政府是否考虑与社交媒体平台合作，编制年度报告，统计报告的在线伤害案件数量、采取的成功行动数量、对施害者采取的行动类型及年度定罪数量？

我相信公布这些统计数据及已定罪施害者的身份，将使受害者确信他们的声音被听见，且将采取行动保障他们的网络安全。

议长先生，新加坡一直是应对互联网潜在伤害的先行者。我们早在2017年就认真审视了打击假新闻的现有法律。2019年通过《防止网络虚假信息和操纵法案》，成为全球首批立法应对网络虚假信息的国家之一，因此我们在该领域处于领先地位。

随着生成式人工智能和深度伪造开启在线伤害的新领域，我认为现在正是调整我们对在线伤害态度的时机，认真对待这些问题，从而打造一个不仅包容而且安全的数字社区。至此，我坚定支持该动议，结束发言。

议长：陈佩玲女士。等一下。梁文辉先生，您有澄清吗？澄清应简短，不宜演讲。

晚上7时47分

梁文辉先生（非选区议员）：谢谢议长先生。我只有一个问题想问张玉娟部长。

我很高兴许多议员指出，数字包容性也意味着确保数字系统具有包容性和用户友好性，而非仅为企业谋取利润。这确实是我的同事包慧珊女士代表人民行动党提出的核心立场。

鉴于此，我想请教部长，针对我们今天讨论和辩论的数字包容性问题，她将如何回应，以及她将如何回应新加坡民众对SimplyGo的诸多负面反馈。像SimplyGo这样的事件，长期来看会影响公众对数字系统的信任。

Josephine Teo女士：议长先生，我邀请梁先生提交一份国会质询。我认为这样更合适，这样才能给予一个恰当的回应。

议长先生：我同意。田佩玲女士。

晚上7点49分

田佩玲女士（麦士威选区）：先生，能在本院就通过全民参与的方式，建立一个安全且包容的数字社会以维持信任进行辩论，是我的莫大荣幸。

我们的人民行动党议员Jessica Tan女士、Sharael Taha先生、Hany Soh女士、Nadia Samdin女士、Wan Rizal博士、叶汉荣先生、Mariam Jaafar女士、Vikram Nair先生和Darryl David先生共提出了13项行动呼吁，如果深入探讨这些呼吁，会发现更多内容，呼吁政府、业界参与者以及像你我这样的个人，在新加坡继续迈向数字未来的过程中，发挥更积极的作用，确保线上环境的安全和包容。我感谢我的国会议员同事们为这些呼吁所做的努力。

过去的国会会议中，来自两党阵营的同事们都提出了关于数字化带来的机遇与风险的不同问题和建议。因此，我很高兴今天我们在本院就这项动议进行了激烈的辩论，更重要的是，我很高兴看到两党阵营对通讯及资讯全体党团委员会提出的动议给予了支持的呼声。

我衷心感谢工人党成员，特别是林淑仪女士、林占梅副教授和严杰理先生，以及进步新加坡党成员，包慧珊女士，当然还有我们的提名议员，拉兹瓦娜·贝古姆·阿卜杜勒·拉希姆副教授、王华汉先生、乌莎·钱德拉达斯女士、李马克先生和施珍女士，在这次动议辩论中的兴趣和支持。

我不会逐一回顾每个人的观点和建议，但我从在座各位那里获得了宝贵的见解。

通过辩论，我们清楚地看到，新加坡并非唯一面临数字化带来挑战的国家。诈骗和网络伤害等问题是全球性的问题。像美国、英国和欧洲这样的发达经济体，也仍在努力更好地理解这些问题，并制定应对措施和保障机制，以更好地保护其公民，鉴于这些风险和挑战的不断演变。

鉴于此，听了Josephine Teo部长和高级国务部长陈杰辉早前的发言，我相信我们现在可以更放心，因为政府已经采取了许多举措和保障措施，来保护和支持我们的公民参与数字经济和数字社会。

这些措施包括整合资源和专业知识、工具、守则和立法，以应对诈骗、有害网络内容、错误信息和数据保护，以及提供财政援助和支持计划，促进数字接入并赋能弱势群体。

鉴于在不同时间点实施了许多举措，有些已公开，有些未公开，有时公众容易误解政府行动缓慢、松懈、不关心，只偏袒商业或金钱。但通过这次辩论，我很高兴看到政府已建立了一整套措施来检测、威慑和保护新加坡人。整体情况现在清晰得多。

因此，与其说新加坡对数字化存在“信心危机”，不如说新加坡在应对挑战方面一直积极主动，而一些发达国家实际上认为这样做是不可想象的。

我尤其感激政府对我们13项行动呼吁持开放态度，并承诺采取行动。

归根结底，本院两党都不否认数字化已经并将继续为我们的国家和人民带来益处。

但我们必须管理风险，我们也会这样做，因为如果我们因担心所有可能的后果而停止前进和生活，那将是非常不利的。我还要补充，我们也需要认识到必须取得平衡。虽然我们希望严格管理风险，防止对人民造成伤害，但我们也要确保不对数字交易或有意义的创新增加不成比例的阻力。因此，我们也要注意权衡利弊。

尽管如此，我们仍需做更多。如果每个人都愿意承担更多责任，我们就能保护更多人，减少普通公民可能遭受的伤害。

（中文）：[请参阅方言发言。]刚才我提到了数字转型带来的机遇和挑战。网络伤害也在迅速演变，正如中国谚语所说，“高处不胜寒”。我希望通过政府、企业和人民的共同努力，我们能够战胜这些日益复杂的“魔鬼”，从而建立一个包容且安全、充满深厚信任的数字社会。

（英文）：最后，我想呼应我的国会议员同事们在本次辩论中阐述的观点。通过政府、业界参与者和人民之间更紧密的合作伙伴关系，新加坡可以成为灯塔，引领世界通过安全且包容的数字社会，促进对数字未来的信任。[掌声]

议长先生：田女士，有需要澄清的问题吗？没有。

[(程序文本) 提出问题，并获得通过。 (程序文本)]

[(程序文本) 决议，“本院重申承诺采取全民参与的方式，通过建设包容且安全的数字社会来维持信任。” (程序文本)]

议长先生：议会领袖。

英文原文

SPRS Hansard 原始记录 · 抓取日期：2026-05-02

[(proc text) Debate resumed. (proc text)]

Mr Speaker : Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How.

6.24 pm

The Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information (Mr Tan Kiat How) : Sir, I rise in support of the Motion in the name of Ms Tin Pei Ling.

I thank Members for their thoughtful suggestions on building a safe and inclusive digital society. I will speak on the topic of digital inclusion and Minister Josephine Teo will speak on issues related to digital trust and safety.

With your permission, Sir, may I ask the Clerk to distribute to Members supplementary materials on the topics that Minister Josephine Teo and I will cover today. Members may also access the handout through the MP@SG Parl mobile app.

Mr Speaker : Please proceed. [ Copies of handouts distributed to hon Members .]

Mr Tan Kiat How : Sir, let me first address Members' points on the impact of digitalisation on the workforce and on mental health and well-being.

Ms Tin Pei Ling, Mr Sharael Taha and Mr Mark Lee asked about the impact of digitalisation, especially the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on our workforce and our SMEs and our businesses.

The field of AI, generative AI, in particular, is evolving rapidly. Analysts' predictions on the impact of AI on the workforce and industries vary greatly and sometimes, even contradict each other. But there is broad consensus that AI is here and its development will have profound effects on the world and the certainly for us on this little red dot.

We should not be overly fearful or be overly anxious of this trend. Instead, we should confidently embrace the possibilities with AI. The competition is not between "man" and "machine" but which economy and society can better use technology to improve our competitiveness and our lives.

Singapore is well placed to harness the power of AI, as we have done in previous waves of technological change. The Government's approach has always been to support our businesses and workers to adapt to changes so that they can fully benefit from the opportunities that digital technologies can bring. Some examples include how we are using Jobs Transformation Maps (JTMs), which are specific to different sectors, help employers and workers understand and prepare themselves for future tech-enabled job roles. SkillsFuture and Workforce Singapore offer programmes to support workers to upskill and reskill to take on new jobs. For those who wish to transit to tech roles, they can tap on IMDA's TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) programme. The Government will continue to work with our tripartite partners, including our Labour unions on this important effort as suggested by Ms Jean See, Mr Sharael Taha and Mr Mark Lee.

Dr Wan Rizal raised the issue of the impact of technology on mental health and well-being. This House will have a fuller discussion on this topic during the Motion on "Advancing Mental Health" next month. So, let me just broadly touch on MCI's approach on this issue.

MCI recognises that technology and social media use can have grave impact on mental health and well-being. As Dr Wan Rizal, Assoc Prof Razwana Begum, Ms Nadia Samdin as well as Ms Mariam Jaafar had mentioned, such risks include exposure to harmful online content, such as cyberbullying and self-harm content, as well as excessive and problematic use of social media. To mitigate these risks to Singaporean users, MCI has introduced regulatory measures to enhance online safety for users, which Minister Josephine Teo will touch on later.

We also work with partners across the public, private and people sectors to raise awareness amongst Singaporeans on online safety and good practices on using technology in a healthy and balanced manner. For example, we work with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to strengthen cyber wellness education in schools, teaching students to be discerning, safe, respectful and responsible users of the online space. They are also taught the importance of respect and empathy, how they can protect themselves and others online and to seek help when necessary.

Dr Wan Rizal also spoke about the role of parents. We agree that parents play a crucial role in guiding their children's digital journey, especially at the early stages. We work with partners, such as the Media Literacy Council, to develop resources for parents and caregivers.

MCI has also worked with technology companies to launch an Online Safety Digital Toolkit in March last year, which guides parents to make use of the parental controls, privacy and reporting tools, as well as self-help resources on the social media platforms.

Collectively, these efforts aim to make the online space safer for all and empower individuals with the know-how to protect themselves and their loved ones and it is an ongoing journey. We will continue to work with partners in this effort.

Sir, let me turn to the theme of digital inclusion. Members have made many good points on how digitalisation has brought benefits and opportunities to Singaporeans. Indeed, as a little red dot with scarce natural resources, we cannot afford to unplug from the global digital economy, especially when others are actively pursuing strategies to be more digital, including leveraging emerging technologies like AI.

Therefore, our aim has always been to make digital work for all so that every Singaporean can benefit. I am glad that all Members share this belief.

Mr Yip Hon Weng, Ms Jessica Tan, Mr Ong Hua Han and Ms Usha Chandradas spoke about some of the challenges that Singaporeans face when going digital. I can relate to these points. I meet many Singaporeans in similar circumstances in my walkabouts, Meet-the-People Sessions as well as many focus groups.

Making digital work for all is not just about going digital, but also recognising that some Singaporeans still prefer non-digital options for certain transactions. Our approach is therefore not digital only for all. An example is CDC Vouchers, which Ms Jessica Tan mentioned earlier. Within a week of the launch, 80% of the 1.27 million Singaporean households have claimed their vouchers. I believe most Singaporeans claimed their CDC Vouchers digitally.

However, those who prefer to use physical vouchers can visit Community Centres to print hard copy vouchers. To better support residents, student volunteers, Silver Infocomm Wellness Ambassadors and our Digital Ambassadors are on hand to help.

Singaporeans who need in-person support for Government services can visit one of our seven ServiceSG Centres. The Centres can help with close to 600 Government services and schemes. Last year, close to 400,000 transactions for services such as Singpass applications, CPF and IRAS services were completed at ServiceSG Centres.

Making digital work for all also means supporting all Singaporeans, regardless of their circumstances, to benefit from digitalisation. It is often said that the measure of a society is how it looks after its most vulnerable. We are taking steps to support those who need more help to benefit from going digital.

In this regard, we are building on a solid foundation. Last year, IMDA released the inaugural Singapore Digital Society report as a stocktake of our efforts. We have made good progress over the years. We are one of the most digitally connected countries in the world. Our digital inclusion efforts are well regarded internationally. Singapore has ranked first on the Inclusive Internet Index from 2018, to the latest report released in 2022.

These datapoints show that we are on the right track. But we are not resting on our laurels. I thank Members for their valuable suggestions on how we can better support lower-income households, small businesses, seniors and persons with disabilities with digitalisation.

Let me touch on some of our efforts.

Mr Sharael Taha stressed the importance of supporting lower-income households with digital connectivity. IMDA introduced the DigitalAccess@Home scheme in April last year to support lower-income households with subsidised broadband and digital devices through a simplified and streamlined application process. Since then, we have supported about 6,800 households.

In particular, together with preceding schemes like NEU PC Plus, we have supported a total of 26,000 households with school-going children with access to digital devices over the last three years. [ Please refer to " Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information ", Official Report, 10 January 2024, Vol 95, Issue 119, Correction By Written Statement section. ]

Currently, 98% of resident households with school-going children have computer access. We will continue to support the remaining 2% through schemes like DigitalAccess@Home. This complements efforts by MOE and schools to support students' home-based learning by providing school-prescribed personal learning devices to secondary school students under the National Digital Literacy Programme. In addition, schools loan computers and internet-enabling devices to students who require them for school work.

We will continue to work with schools and our community partners to reach out to all families with school-going children.

We also introduced the Mobile Access for Seniors scheme in June 2020 to provide lower-income seniors with subsidised smartphones and mobile data plans along with training. Since 2020, over 11,000 lower-income seniors have benefited.

Importantly, industry and community partners play a big part to support digital access for lower-income households. For example, SG Bono, a non-profit organisation refurbishes donated laptops for use by lower-income families, especially those with school-going children. I am particularly glad to know that SG Bono extended this support to madrasah students from lower-income households since 2021.

Mr Vikram Nair spoke about hawkers. It is another group of microbusinesses or Singaporeans that we are supporting through the Hawkers Go Digital programme. As of November last year, more than 11,000 stallholders, which is around 60% of all hawkers, have adopted e-payments via the Singapore Quick Response Code (SGQR) platform. Under this programme, SGQR has facilitated an average of 5.1 million transactions worth $42 million per month between June and November last year.

In addition to SGQR and e-payments, this digitalisation support to hawkers and heartland merchants give them the confidence to come onboard other digital initiatives such as the CDC Vouchers.

I am very encouraged to see many stories of how these heartland merchants and small businesses have further built on this foundation and gone further to transform their business models and capture the opportunities of e-commerce.

Mr Yip Hon Weng, Mr Ong Hua Han and others spoke about the Seniors Go Digital programme and asked about the progress.

The Seniors Go Digital programme was set up to equip seniors with basic digital skills so that they too can be part of a digital society and enjoy the benefits of going digital. At the time of the programme's inception in 2020, the need was particularly pressing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, we have conducted training for over 280,000 seniors.

Uptick in seniors' adoption of digital skills has improved over time. For example, in 2022, 86% of seniors knew how to find information online, a 29% increase from just three years ago in 2019. I am always inspired by our seniors who gamely picked up digital skills even though it can be challenging at the outset. This is a testament to their spirit of lifelong learning and the dedication of SDO's Digital Ambassadors, our Silver Infocomm Wellness Ambassadors as well as family and friends who patiently guide seniors on their digitalisation journey.

Singaporeans who want to learn digital skills can visit one of the 37 SG Digital Community Hubs islandwide and they can visit one of the more than 200 roving counters in our workplaces, healthcare institutions and community spaces.

Another aspect is designing services inclusively, with the needs of specific groups in mind. Ms Nadia Samdin and Mr Ong Hua Han spoke about supporting persons with disabilities. In particular, I would like to thank Mr Ong for his feedback on behalf of the deaf and the visually impaired communities, and for his thoughtful suggestions.

We are making progress towards our goal of making all high traffic Government websites fully accessible to persons with disabilities by 2030. We have increased the percentage of high traffic Government websites which are fully accessible from 61% in 2022 to 73% last year.

Mr Ong Hua Han mentioned that we have introduced sign language interpretation for key national events and critical public announcements to improve access to information of national importance. Today, 61% of free-to-air TV programmes carry subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. We are working with Mediacorp to achieve our target of 70% coverage of free-to-air TV broadcasts accessible through sign language interpretation, captioning or subtitling by 2030.

Ms Nadia Samdin raised the importance of supporting persons with disabilities with assistive technology and learning digital skills. Persons with disabilities who need assistive technology, such as a specialised keyboard and mouse, can tap on the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)'s Assistive Technology Fund, which provides individuals with a means-tested subsidy of up to 90% of the cost of assistive technology devices, subject to a lifetime cap of $40,000. The fund can be used to acquire, replace, upgrade or repair those devices.

They can also receive assessment and training in the use of these devices at Tech Able, which is an assistive technology centre jointly managed by SG Enable and the disability social service agency, SPD, at the Enabling Village. The Digital Enablement Programme, which Ms Nadia Samdin mentioned, is a Digital for Life (DfL)-funded programme which supports persons with disabilities with essential digital skills for a world of hybrid work. As of March 2023, the programme has supported 200 training places.

I agree with Mr Ong Hua Han that industry partners, especially those providing essential services, must play their part to enhance the accessibility of their services.

We are lowering the adoption barriers for industry partners through providing resources and tools. SG Enable provides e-accessibility training and consultancy services for companies to learn how e-accessibility features can be incorporated into their digital services. The GovTech Accessibility Enabling Team (ALLY) has developed Purple ALLY, a free and open-sourced testing tool for digital teams to check how they can make their digital products or services more accessible.

Mr Ong also asked if we can ensure that future digital infrastructure designers and programmers are exposed to digital accessibility. We will continue to work with our Institutes of Higher Learning on this. For example, students in the Diploma in Design at Ngee Ann Polytechnic design electronic devices to support users with disabilities as part of their curriculum. We will continue to work with Institutes of Higher Learning to incorporate some of these considerations into their curriculum.

I encourage industry partners to make use of these resources and do more to make their services accessible to all Singaporeans.

At the same time, I commend the spirit of Mr Ong's remarks and suggestions. All of us, as a society, can do more to make our digital services and products more inclusive. As a first step, it is oftentimes understanding where each other is coming from and how we can take pragmatic steps to achieve that. In that regard, I would certainly love to invite Mr Ong to address and speak to many of our community partners on this aspect. We will reach out after this Sitting.

This brings me to my next point. The Government cannot do this on our own. I am glad many Members – Ms Hany Soh, Mr Ong Hua Han, Ms Usha Chandradas and others – emphasised that this is a whole-of-nation effort. The Government, corporates, communities and individuals must come together to support different groups who need help on their journeys.

The Digital for Life movement launched in 2021 is an important part of this collective effort. And it is making encouraging progress, bringing together three key partners – the public sector, private sector and people sector – for this common cause.

Over 140 DfL partners have reached out to more than 270,000 beneficiaries. Partners have also come forward to generously contribute some $14 million to the DfL Fund, which supports digital inclusion efforts, including ground-up projects from the community.

I am heartened that there are many who are willing to step forward to support their fellow Singaporeans. I encourage more partners to step forward and work together with us.

For example, Ms Usha shared examples of how we can better involve members of the arts community in our digital inclusion effort. We will certainly reach out to them.

Sir, we have made good progress to enhance access to digital connectivity and services. But access alone is not enough. After all, what good is connectivity and a digital device if we do not have the skills to use them for our benefit? Ms Mariam Jaafar spoke about AI literacy and Mr Sharael Taha spoke about how we must give all Singaporeans, especially students from lower-income families, opportunities. I agree with them.

MOE launched the Transforming Education through Technology plan in September last year to further strengthen students' development of digital literacy and technological skills, starting with AI literacy. Yesterday, MOE has also responded to questions from Members on opportunities for our students to learn about AI.

Together with MOE, we introduced the Code For Fun (CFF) programme to expose students to coding and computational thinking. Since 2020, it has been mandatory for all upper primary school students to go through CFF or a comparable coding programme.

As technology continues to evolve, IMDA and MOE will review the CFF enrichment programme to ensure that it is relevant and up to date. We are working towards introducing new content on AI and data literacy in the refreshed curriculum for 2025.

Outside schools, there are many opportunities for students, young people and members of the public to explore new technology. For instance, community partners like SGBono and VIVITA have been collaborating with the Bedok Social Service Office to bring tech experiences closer to children from less privileged backgrounds who typically would not have such opportunities. Earlier, Members raised many good initiatives in the community.

For the general public, we have programmes like ExperienceIT and MakeIT at our libraries. These showcase emerging technologies and innovations, such as AI, machine learning and 3D printing, through informative displays and hands-on activities. So, please check out these exhibits and showcases at your nearest library.

At the same time, we recognise that some of us may not be ready to take on the more advanced digital skills. We may want to focus first on building the fundamentals to go online safely and use digital services and tools confidently in our daily lives.

To support this, IMDA will launch Digital Skills for Life (DSL) today. In the handout distributed, Members will find a factsheet with more details on DSL. Unlike existing frameworks to equip Singaporeans with digital skills for the workplace or specific sectors, DSL outlines the digital skills to enable Singaporeans to carry out day-to-day tasks online. We have referenced overseas examples and got inputs from experts. But more importantly, we heard from Singaporeans themselves. We learned from our insights from reaching out to more than 280,000 seniors through the Seniors Go Digital programme over the last three years and I would like to especially thank the 16,000 learners who were part of the pilot last year for their valuable feedback.

The DSL framework covers five competencies. Firstly, setting up and using smart devices, how to operate the basic functions on our devices. Secondly, exploring information online. Through the Internet, we can access limitless information and new opportunities. But we need to know how to search, view and retrieve this information safely for our use. Thirdly, communicating online with others. Fourthly, transacting online for greater convenience – accessing banking and Government services, booking healthcare appointments, just to name a few examples. And importantly, fifth, being safe, smart and kind online – understanding how to keep ourselves safe from scams and false information and how to build a positive presence online.

These are all practical skills that can make a real difference to Singaporeans' day-to-day lives. Let me share one example. A few years ago, I met an elderly lady at the SG Digital Community Hub at Heartbeat@Bedok. She was asking our Digital Ambassador many questions on how to use her smartphone and I saw her taking copious notes down on a small, little notepad. She was probably around her late fifties and early sixties, speaking in Mandarin. When I asked what she was learning, her answer both surprised and inspired me. She said that she was a victim of an online scam and she lost some money. She was there to learn how to make sure that this would not happen to her again. So, instead of being fearful and withdrawing, she wanted to confront the issue head on by learning how to safeguard herself.

There are many seniors like that. The Digital Ambassador at the Hub patiently walked her through practical cybersecurity tips that would be useful for all of us. For example, how to create a stronger password instead of just using the default password "Password" which scammers could easily guess. I was most heartened by her resilient spirit and willingness to learn, and we want to support Singaporeans like her with the right tools, resources and competencies to pick up the skills they need.

To do so, we are collaborating with partners under the DfL movement to develop resources in line with the DSL framework. Interested learners can access in-person learning at the SG Digital Community Hubs where Digital Ambassadors and Silver Infocomm Wellness Ambassadors will walk alongside less-digitally savvy Singaporeans on their journeys. Learners can also learn at your own pace and access videos and guidebooks on the Digital for Life Portal. Those who are keen to help their family and friends pick up skills can use these resources to teach them. The digital resources in English will be rolled out progressively from this month, and resources in Mandarin, Malay and Tamil will be available by the first half of this year.

Sir, let me say a few words in Mandarin.

( In Mandarin ) : [ Please refer to Vernacular Speech .] Digital Skills for Life (DSL) is a bottom-up movement, and we hope to see more partners and organisations join in, pooling our efforts to achieve success together.

We will make the relevant content and other teaching materials available online for partners to use for free. This is a small contribution to the global digitalisation process.

Our partners can refer to these resources when conducting digital skills training. They can also use innovative ways to help learning and further promote the DSL movement. For example, turning materials into games to make children's learning more interesting and vivid, or creating audio and video content in dialects to introduce the five basic skills to the elderly.

I hope that everyone will make good use of these resources to benefit more Singaporeans.

The DSL framework is a starting point to help Singaporeans embark on their digital journey. Just as we start learning to write by mastering each stroke, acquiring digital skills must also start from the very basic level. With a solid foundation, as digital technology advances, we will be more confident in learning new skills and keeping up with the times.

We will regularly review this framework to ensure that the content it covers meets our current needs.

( In English ): Let me conclude. Over the years we have made great strides to build our vision of an inclusive and safe digital society. We have a strong "hardware" foundation in terms of access to devices and broadband connectivity. We are strengthening our "software" layer by building up Singaporeans' skills and competencies to navigate the online space safely and confidently to fully benefit from exciting digital opportunities.

However, as many Members have spoken passionately about, we must aspire to go beyond the "hardware" and "software", and nurture our "heartware" on how we treat one another and to foster a kinder online space for all where we make an effort to listen with the aim to understand, instead of shouting to press across our point; where we make an effort to respect another person's viewpoints and find common ground even if we disagree on certain issues; where we make an effort to offer a kind word, instead of joining in to spread negativity.

In our physical world, we are comfortable to let our loved ones walk freely down the street, trusting that they will have pleasant interactions with people and not have to look over their shoulders for threats. We trust that there are norms which govern how we conduct ourselves and interact with one another. We must aspire to bring this to the online space as well where our seniors will be able to go online safely without anxiety; where our children can go online confidently without having the fear of cyberbullying or encountering harmful online content.

But it is all up to us to keep our digital streets safe. Each one of us can play our part to build a safer, more inclusive and kinder digital society. With that, Sir, I support the Motion.

Mr Speaker : Minister Josephine Teo.

The Minister for Communications and Information (Mrs Josephine Teo) : Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion in the name of Ms Tin Pei Ling and thank her, together with Mr Sharael Taha, Ms Hany Soh, Ms Jessica Tan and Mr Alex Yam, for drawing attention to this important topic.

When the Smart Nation Initiative was launched in 2014, we envisioned Singapore as "a nation where people live meaningful and fulfilled lives, enabled seamlessly by technology, offering exciting opportunities for all."

A decade on, this vision has certainly come alive. Technology has become a big part of our daily lives and 84% of Singaporeans say they have benefited in one way or another. Of every $100 value-added in our economy, at least $17 can now be attributed to digital-related activities. It amounted to $106 billion in 2022, more than financial services and insurance, and comparable with wholesale trade.

There are, today, more than 200,000 tech jobs in Singapore, earning median wages that are higher than that of the resident workforce. Although they represent just over 5% of all jobs, there are thousands more across all other sectors that have been enhanced by digital technologies.

Our aim must be for all Singaporeans to gain from these developments. Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How has spoken about digital inclusion and the Government's efforts to ensure that benefits are felt by all segments of society.

At the same time, our digital way of life has exposed us to new risks. Cyberattacks, scams and harmful content pose a growing threat to our safety and security. As many Members have noted, trust in society, so crucial for normal human interactions, could be undermined.

I will focus my speech on two topics specifically. The first is what we have we done so far to protect Singaporeans in the digital domain; and the second, what more we need to keep people safe.

Sir, in most domains, Singapore could learn from the examples of many other countries when designing our own governance approach. Unfortunately, in the digital domain, there are few ready playbooks with proven solutions. In fact, Singapore is considered an early mover in digital governance and has been recognised as such.

Mr Mark Lee spoke about the need for our businesses to protect and handle customer information ethically. We moved to address this issue more than a decade ago. In 2012, we introduced the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), before the EU's General Data Protection Regulation. By 2020, we had amended the Act to strengthen organisational accountability and consumer protection, while bolstering confidence for using personal data for innovation. In 2018, we enacted the Cybersecurity Act to address the threats in cyberspace, particularly those faced by our critical information infrastructure (CII).

Beyond protecting our CII, we have also introduced initiatives to help businesses enhance their cybersecurity posture. Mr Lee recommended developing sector-specific resources. We agree. In the next phase of the SG Cyber Safe Programme for enterprises, CSA will introduce sector-specific cybersecurity initiatives, starting with healthcare and manufacturing.

Also, I had previously announced that we expect to update the Cybersecurity Act so that it remains fit-for-purpose. Public consultations on the proposed amendments are ongoing.

In 2019, recognising the harms of misinformation, we introduced the Prevention of Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). As a small, multiracial, and multi-religious country, Singapore is particularly vulnerable to falsehoods that deepen fault lines and polarise society. POFMA is a calibrated tool to safeguard the infrastructure of fact. Its usefulness was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, to defend against all kinds of falsehoods about vaccines and COVID-19 related deaths.

In 2021, to counter potential hostile information campaigns launched by other states against us, we introduced the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA). This helps to ensure that Singapore politics remains only for Singaporeans.

Dr Wan Rizal, Ms Mariam Jaafar and Ms Nadia Samdin spoke about the risks of children being exposed to harmful content online. We have also introduced measures to tackle this. In July 2023, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) launched the Code of Practice for Online Safety. It requires social media services with significant reach or impact in Singapore to put in place measures to minimise users' exposure to harmful content on their platforms. These include additional measures to protect children below-18 years old.

Dr Rizal and Ms Nadia suggested that platforms implement age assurance measures. There is currently no foolproof measure to prevent false age declarations on social media platforms. But the technology has improved. Today, age assurance is achievable to a fairly high degree of accuracy without compromising privacy. MCI and IMDA are monitoring the developments and will study viable regulatory options to better protect children online through age assurance measures.

I am aware that Mr Darryl David will speak about addressing online dangers such as cyber stalking and body shaming, and providing support for victims. Currently, online harassment and doxxing are dealt with under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014. Victims can seek redress through the Protection from Harassment Court, which has served thousands since it was set up in 2021.

The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) is looking further into how victims can be better empowered to put a stop to such online harms, and to seek redress from those responsible. MinLaw's efforts will complement MCI's efforts to enhance the Government's regulatory tool kit, as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)'s efforts to address online criminal harms, which I will say more about later.

Sir, from what I have cited, Members will see that we have actively and progressively introduced new laws and regulations for digital governance. We have consciously avoided a big-bang approach, choosing instead an accretive approach to understand the issues deeply and to move quickly when we identify measures that are likely to be effective.

Where solutions are untested, we have not held back completely. Instead, we have introduced model frameworks or advisory guidelines for voluntary adoption.

We have also developed practical tools to help organisations meet their regulatory obligations, or raised governance standards. This will remain Singapore's approach to digital governance for the foreseeable future. It was, in fact, how we dealt with AI governance. I thank Dr Rizal, Mr Jamus Lim and Ms Mariam for emphasising the importance of responsible AI use and development.

Members may recall that even before we launched our first National AI Strategy or NAIS in 2019, we had introduced a Model AI Governance Framework or MGF – the first of its kind in the region. In 2021, Singapore became one of the first in the world to develop a testing framework and software toolkit for safe and responsible AI, which we call AI Verify.

More recently, we committed to develop Advisory Guidelines on the use of personal data in AI systems, including safeguards to protect personal data of vulnerable groups like children.

Global conversations on AI governance are important. Singapore will continue to participate actively at international fora, such as the Global Partnership on AI and the United Nations' High Level Advisory Board on AI.

As mentioned by Ms Tan and Ms Mariam, we have refreshed our AI strategies through NAIS 2.0. We will soon update our recommendations on dealing with AI risks. For example, we are very concerned about the mis-use of generative AI to spread misinformation and carry out targeted scams.

Mitigating biasness and enhancing the explainability of AI models are also crucial to developing and deploying them responsibly. We aim to release MGF 2.0 for public consultation later this month.

Of all the risks in the digital domain, one category is particularly concerning – and they are scams. This was an issue raised by almost all MPs.

Recent concerns about scams may sound new, but are in fact very similar to past cases of fraud. Older Singaporeans may remember the sale of fake insurance policies in the 1970s. In 2006, Sunshine Empire, which disguised itself as a multi-level marketing company, operated a Ponzi Scheme that promised high returns on fake products and services. In the early 2010s, the SureWin4U Ponzi Scheme lured victims to invest in betting schemes against casinos.

These days, scammers use technology to sell fake jobs, fake love and fake discounted items like eggs or holiday packages. Through variety, speed and scale, they have claimed more victims than before. Whenever I speak with a scam victim and hear their harrowing experience, I am reminded of a very similar panic I experienced as a child.

Back in the 1970s, I lived with my grandmother in an old shophouse in Joo Chiat. On several occasions, we were awakened in the middle of the night to nearby shouts of "Fire! Fire!". We had very little clue as to how far and fast the fire might reach us, only that we must be ready to run for our lives. This kind of fear and helplessness, you never forget.

Today, fire hazards have largely been brought under control and most fire incidents have moderate impact. This is because we have well-trained and well-equipped firefighters to contain fires that do break out. There are regulations, including the Fire Safety Code, to prevent potential fire incidents. We also have the support of organisations and citizens alike, who do their part to create and maintain an environment safe from fires.

In many ways, we are fighting scams like how we successfully fought fires. We have invested resources to strengthen our capabilities to contain the impact of emerging scam campaigns. Two years ago, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) established the Anti-Scam Command (ASCom). This helps to facilitate the swift tracing of funds and freezing of scam-tainted bank accounts. In the first half of 2023, the ASCom froze over 9,000 bank accounts and recovered about $50.8 million of the victims' losses.

We have also put in place tools to limit losses for victims, much like the use of retardants to slow the spread of fires.

Banks have implemented an emergency "kill-switch", so customers can quickly suspend their accounts if they suspect compromise. In November last year, several banks implemented a "Money Lock" feature, allowing customers to set aside an amount in their bank accounts that cannot be transferred digitally.

Another recent example is the lower default daily limit for online CPF withdrawals, which cannot be increased without strong user authentication. Members can also disable online CPF withdrawals easily by activating the CPF Withdrawal Lock, which instantly reduces this limit to $0.

Sir, these containment efforts are helpful but we really prefer to prevent the scams from happening in the first place. Preventive safeguards are easier said than done, as they require close coordination with industry. Several sets of measures have been or are being implemented.

First, we will keep closing off known avenues for scammers to reach prospective victims. Members will recall that not too long ago, scammers were spoofing the SMS IDs of key organisations to trick victims into giving their banking credentials. To counter this, IMDA introduced a novel solution. From January last year, all organisations that want to send SMSes using alphanumeric sender IDs had to register with the Singapore SMS Sender ID Registry (SSIR). SMSes from unregistered senders are labelled "Likely-SCAM" to alert phone users.

The SSIR has been effective. Cases of scam SMSes fell by 70% in the first three months that it was mandated and remain a minority – less than 5% – among new cases reported. Additionally, telcos have implemented firewalls within their networks to proactively block suspicious calls and calls that attempt to spoof local numbers. These efforts have also been helpful. The volume of suspicious international calls blocked in 2023 has nearly doubled compared to a year ago. To further protect the public, telcos have now introduced an option for subscribers to block their mobile phones from receiving international calls, which is a common source of scam calls.

Sir, whilst we can introduce blocking measures, we must expect the scammers to keep starting fires in new ways. As mentioned by Mr Ong, scammers are increasingly abusing online platforms to deceive their potential victims. To deal with this more effectively, we introduced the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA), which will be progressively implemented from this year. Many Members supported the Bill and I thank them again.

This Act will allow authorities to order the swift blocking of online accounts or content suspected to be used for crimes, including scams. For the protection of consumer on high-risk platforms, we will also impose ex-ante requirements such as stricter requirements for identity verification.

The second set of preventive safeguards aim to disrupt fraudulent transactions, even after a victim has been tricked. This includes preventing Singpass accounts from being taken over. It is why last year, we introduced more friction into the authentication process for Singpass.

When conducting high-risk transactions, users are required to perform facial verification. To protect against impersonation attempts, which Ms Hazel Poa asked about, facial verification includes liveness checks, which guards against attacks such as using a still photo.

Facial verification was also introduced as an additional safeguard for high-risk CPF e-services. Since then, there have been no further losses to scams due to unauthorised CPF withdrawals.

Also last year, we observed the emergence of scammers exploiting malware to bypass existing safeguards and make unauthorised fraudulent transactions on victims' accounts. Having identified this new scam variant, we worked with the banks to enhance their fraud and malware detection capabilities. Compromised devices were prevented from transacting with the banks. We cannot quantify it but millions more dollars could otherwise have been lost.

Ultimately, our devices themselves must be better able to defend against malware attacks launched by scammers – Ms Tin spoke about this. We are therefore working with key industry players to enhance the security of mobile devices sold in Singapore. For instance, we are working with Google to design new features that can better detect and deter users from downloading malicious files onto Android devices.

The third set of measures involve harsher consequences to deter money mules from misusing our key digital services, such as Singpass, to perpetrate scams. We have recently tightened our legislation to criminalise individuals who intentionally disclose their Singpass credentials in aid of scams. We are also reviewing how to extend these principles to those who sell SIM cards to scammers.

Sir, fighting scams is a team effort and the Government cannot do it alone. Ms Tan spoke about the need for platform players, telcos and device manufacturers to do more to improve online safety for their users. We agree. As mentioned by Mr Ong and Mr Tan, we need companies to ensure that their customers can enjoy a safe and secure environment as they interact online.

Last August, OCBC was among the first banks in Singapore to disallow account access, if the bank app detected the presence of potentially risky mobile apps on the customers' devices. Some customers felt inconvenienced, but in fact, they may have been among those that were saved from at least $2 million in losses in the first month of roll-out. The MAS has since worked with other major banks to implement similar safeguards.

Several MPs also spoke about the need for larger companies to take more responsibility to mitigate scams by unauthorised transactions. This year, the upcoming Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF) will further enhance the accountability of the banks and telcos in protecting their customers from the threat of phishing scams. During the public consultation on the SRF, many suggestions were received, which are similar to those raised today. They relate to the expansion of coverage to more scam types and more entities, besides banks and telcos.

The SRF covers phishing scams because such scams were the main contributor to fraudulent transactions taking place without the consumer's knowledge and consent when SRF was first conceived. Compared to the payout frameworks in other jurisdictions, which only impose obligations on banks, the SRF already holds a wider scope of entities accountable by including telcos.

Duties are also specified to clearly hold banks and telcos accountable to the victims. Even if there is no breach of duty and, hence, no payout under SRF, there are other avenues of recourse for victims. These include banks' goodwill frameworks, which can provide some comfort to victims of new scam tactics. As was shared in Parliament last year, MAS has leaned on the banks to be more accommodative in applying their goodwill frameworks.

These complementary measures notwithstanding, the Government will consider how to enhance the accountability of key entities and strengthen protection for individuals within SRF or through other means that are available to us.

We hear the specific calls to include social media platforms and closed-messaging services, in particular, for scam variants involving malware and phishing that result in unauthorised transactions. I appreciate Mr Vikram Nair and Ms Hazel Poa's acknowledgment that there are trade-offs and moral hazards to consider and that the Government cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach.

With regard to physical tokens, these are available upon customer request. I should caution, however, that existing physical tokens may be resistant to malware, but they are still vulnerable to phishing tactics. Agencies are, therefore, studying longer-term solutions, such as the Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) passkeys that were mentioned by Ms Tin.

Sir, I thank Members who have recognised the many steps we are taking and also the challenges our agencies face, such as those identified by Mr Vikram Nair. To Mr Yip Hon Weng's suggestion to learn from best practices abroad, we have been proactive. Our efforts include exchanging information on the latest scam variants and strategies to combat scams.

However, all of these efforts notwithstanding, this may still beg the question, "Has Singapore been slack in fighting scams?"

On the contrary, Singapore is widely regarded as a leader in thought and action when it comes to battling scams. When interacting with our international counterparts, I can only share with you how much they marvel at some of the initiatives that we have put in place, which they consider quite unthinkable in their own context and still quite cutting edge. And these include widespread call blocking, the SMS Sender ID Registry (SSIR) and the kill switches that the banks now use; and also CPF Board.

The fact that we have an Anti-Scam Command, which involves the co-location of banks and, soon, other entities that we are speaking with; the fact that we have ScamShield; and something that people in the trade are very interested about: the backend processes that none of us will get to talk about in this room – among the agencies and all the stakeholders to smoothen the process of following up on leads – that is something that they find very difficult to even bring about.

Many measures have also reduced the losses – stemmed the losses – to a very significant extent. So, then that begs the question, "What about these rankings that you come across that named Singapore as one of these top places in terms of how much victims have lost?"

Well, I can only say this. In many places, scam victims are not going to take the trouble to report the fact that they have been scammed, because they do not expect whichever authority they report to, to be able to do anything about it. And so, when these kinds of reports are a function of reporting, what this really tells us is that reporting levels in Singapore are very high. This is, of course, not to trivialise the amounts lost. But I think we have to recognise that fact.

In this regard, I think we also have to recognise that our members of the public have been quite remarkable in terms of their openness and willingness to pay attention to public education efforts on scams. I appreciate that it sometimes makes them quite anxious – because they keep hearing about it when they are at the bus stop, they see it when they are at the void deck and they see the digital display panels and then they go to a grassroots event and the Member of Parliament is also advising them to listen to the Police talk about anti-scam measures. So, I appreciate this. It gives a certain sense of anxiety.

But it is an essential part of our overall scam defence which we cannot avoid and which we aim to fortify through a variety of means. And so, the question is: what more can we do?

First, let us take a step back and acknowledge that all countries recognise that when it comes to dealing with scams, there is really no silver bullet. There is not a single measure that you can implement and be done with it. In the trade, they call this a wicked problem. In cyber as well as in scams, you solve one problem, the bad actors are driven somewhere else and you have to start again.

Therefore, an agile approach is critical and a very good example is how we had to very quickly pivot to dealing with the malware-enabled scams which had not been conceived of before and had not been seen before. It is very easy to say that, "You should have anticipated it." Not so easy in reality.

The last thing, in this context, is not for us to politicise the debate or to vilify any group because you do not know when the next scam variant comes around who you need to work with to try and solve the problem. So, vilifying any group is not a good idea and we should very consciously try to avoid this. This is a problem that has emerged and we have observed in other countries. This is one lesson that we are taking away. Do not go around vilifying various groups and saying that you should have done this, you should have done that. We will need them at some point. It is better to preserve the relationship and find ways to work together.

So, in this context, I was listening carefully to Members' contributions and I appreciate all of them a great deal. I could not help but notice that, amongst the Members who spoke from the Workers' Party, there was this term that was repeated quite a few times. This is what Mr Vikram Nair also responded to. He said that he disagreed with this idea that there is a crisis of confidence.

I am not sure what the purpose of describing this problem this way is. We do have a situation that we are dealing with and we are taking it very seriously. But let me perhaps offer a viewpoint from the agencies and the officers who are looking at this problem and listening to this debate and share what it comes across like to them.

This is a bit like, you know, firefighters on the frontline. You are trying all ways and means to, firstly, figure out what is the terrain that you are working with and trying to push back the fire, not let it spread. And there, we have a group of bystanders who are, you know, instead of praying for them, encouraging them, we are saying to them: you should be doing this, you should be doing that – pontificating.

And then, when they do manage to put out some fires, with great effort and actually getting ready to fight the next fire because they know it is coming, the very same bystanders say, "Thank goodness, I said that." You know, see, how wonderful!

I say to Members, have a care. This is a tough fight and I think our agencies and all the people involved they are not just public officers. By all means recognise the fact that there are also private sector players involved. It is hard work. And I think one of the Members said it is quite thankless. I believe it was Ms Hany Soh who said so and I appreciate her for acknowledging that. So, let us cheer them on. It is not so easy.

So, Sir, overall, I am still very glad that all parties support the Motion and have largely avoided grandstanding. I call on Members to please use your own networks and your social media influence not to spread this, you know, very easy labels, to tag onto something like this, but to spread awareness of the tools that can really help people. I think that is a far better use of your social media influence. Use it appropriately.

And my humble appeal to all Members who have contributed your ideas and suggestions, please give our agencies time to consider the feedback and to prioritise what is most needle-moving, because, actually, it will not be a matter of doing more, but doing more of the right things continuously. At any one time, we will be introducing new measures while designing some more. In fact, I would like to announce three today.

As apps are the most common way to transact online, we also need app developers to design for security. This is why Cyber Security Agency (CSA) is publishing a new recommended Safe App Standard (Standard) that app developers should adopt to ensure that high-risk monetary transactions performed on their apps are secure.

The Standard will set out best practices that reduce the risk of malicious actors exploiting weaknesses in the app design. For example, apps could be designed to require additional authentication of a user before authorising high-risk transactions, such as those providing access to our assets or savings.

The Standard will also recommend that developers build in malware detection capabilities on their apps, since this feature has proven to be effective in disrupting scammers' unauthorised transactions using compromised devices. CSA will incorporate more of such effective practices in the Standard as they emerge or as the technologies evolve.

CSA will also consider how best to help end-users easily identify apps that meet these Standards. As the Standard is new, we will assess its usefulness in due course and whether to keep it voluntary or make it mandatory.

Besides apps that people use, we must also better protect vulnerable segments. To strengthen safeguards against them being tricked into signing up and footing the bill for phone lines used for scams, IMDA has published the Advisory Guidelines for telcos to protect vulnerable consumers.

It calls for measures to help frontline staff identify vulnerable consumers during service sign-up and handle cases of suspected exploitation. The Guidelines also encourage telcos to waive charges for vulnerable consumers who have fallen victim to scams. Arising from earlier cases encountered, MHA is also exploring ways to better protect the public, particularly those who continue to believe the scammers, despite being warned by the Police and even their own family members.

As the landscape evolves, we will need to grow new capabilities to keep pace with scammers and online risks. Several Members mentioned the misuse of deepfakes to create compelling pitches, such as the recent ads featuring our leaders' likeness to promote crypto scams. We are most concerned about this.

As a first step, MCI and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) will officially launch the Centre for Advanced Technologies in Online Safety (CATOS). The Centre will be a platform to bring together our community of research partners, companies and practitioners in Singapore to build capabilities for a safer Internet.

Such capabilities may include tools and measures to: (a) detect harmful content, such as deepfakes and non-factual claims; (b) inject watermarks or trace the origin of digital content; and (c) empower vulnerable groups with resources to verify information they encounter online.

These research efforts will also help inform new legislation or regulations that we will need for issues, such as deepfakes, and which we are studying. As Ms Tan pointed out, even with extensive efforts by the Government and businesses, we must each do our part as individuals to remain vigilant online.

First, we should adopt measures that can mitigate the risks of scams, even if they may seem inconvenient or unnecessarily strict. This could mean downloading and enabling the ScamShield app or turning on multi-factor authentication for online services. We should avoid downloading apps from unfamiliar sources and avoid responding to suspicious videos promising guaranteed returns on investments or giveaways. When accessing websites, individuals should also exercise vigilance by always checking the URL in the address bar of their web browser.

We agree with Mr Ong that consumer banking and messaging service providers can do more to prompt users to adopt such habits. The Government will continue working with key industry players to further strengthen efforts to raise public awareness.

Second, we should educate ourselves on the latest scam trends and anti-scam measures such as those on ScamAlert.sg. We should use available tools to make more informed decisions when transacting online. These include the E-commerce Marketplace Transaction Safety Ratings (TSR), which provide information on how secure an e-commerce platform is against scams.

Even as we continue our efforts to stop scams and recover losses, we must not forget about the trauma experienced by victims. We understand the panic and anxiety that victims go through. That is why the SPF has trained volunteer Victim Care Officers to provide emotional and practical support to victims. The Anti-Scam Resource Guide on SPF's website also sets out additional avenues of community support.

Mr Sharael Taha suggested reviewing the process of freezing bank accounts for the entire duration of the investigation period. SPF only freezes bank accounts when there is reason to suspect that they are involved in criminal activities. The time taken for investigations can differ from case to case.

Victims with frozen bank accounts may be offered new ones by banks, which may come with restricted access to certain facilities, or be subject to enhanced monitoring measures. But these will still meet basic banking needs such as receiving salaries and Government support. Victims can also make an application to the Courts to withdraw money for reasonable living or other legitimate expenses. Mr Speaker, please allow me to conclude in Mandarin.

Mr Speaker : Minister, you have about two minutes. Would that be enough? If not, I would suggest that the Leader of the House moves —

Mrs Josephine Teo : I will make it.

Mr Speaker : Alright. Go ahead.

Mrs Josephine Teo : ( In Mandarin ) : [ Please refer to Vernacular Speech .] Mr Speaker, firstly, I would like to reiterate my support for the Motion put forward by Ms Tin Pei Ling.

Singapore's digital journey has brought great benefits, such as new economic opportunities for our people and businesses. However, it has also introduced new risks, including digitally-enabled scams that many people are concerned about.

Therefore, the Government must enable our people to ride the wave of opportunities arising from our digital transformation, whilst doing everything possible to strengthen safety and trust in our digital domain.

To this end, the Government has prioritised efforts to deal with scams. Many measures have been implemented and proven to be effective. However, as the scammers evolve their tactics, we too must update our counter measures.

The Government will introduce three new measures to further strengthen our defences against scams. They are: enhancing the security of mobile applications; advisory guidelines for telcos to protect vulnerable consumers; and efforts to develop advanced technologies to combat scams.

There is no silver bullet in the fight against scams; neither can the Government do it alone. This is a long-term battle that requires everyone's cooperation.

But I believe that with persistent efforts and contributions from everyone, the battle can eventually be won. Thank you.

Mr Speaker : And you still have 30 seconds to spare. Ms Sylvia Lim.

7.33 pm

Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied) : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to respond to the Minister for Communications and Information's reference to what myself and my colleagues have mentioned about moving towards a crisis of confidence.

First of all, I would like to state categorically that in my speech, I did not do so to politicise the issue or to create panic. My desire was to actually reflect what I see as the current sentiment in significant sections of the public. I would like to offer five reasons, if I may, on how I come to this opinion.

First of all, according to the IMDA's Singapore Digital Society Report released in November, the statistics show that 99% of persons aged 60 and above are worried about becoming scam victims. Ninety-nine percent. That is almost 100% of the people in this age group who are worried about becoming scam victims.

Secondly, today, during the course of the debate, we have also heard of MPs talking about residents ignoring official communications because they cannot tell whether this is authentically from the Government or if it is a scam message. So, messages to enrol in Healthier SG are ignored.

Third, I think we all know the statistics of scam losses. As the Minister herself pointed out, the fact that there is so much public education now, may also lead to feelings of anxiety in the public, which I think are very real.

Fourth, I myself have received feedback from members of the public who expressed the desire to take their accounts offline. These could include retirees, with their CPF transactions and so on. I do not think they are isolated incidents.

Last of all, the fifth reason I would offer is that with the setting up of this new task force on Resilience and Security of Digital Infrastructure and Services, I believe that its purpose is to oversee matters of public confidence.

So, I would argue that there is a serious issue with public confidence and I think it is borne out by these factors that I have mentioned. And I also acknowledged the work done by the agencies – it is not that we are ignorant of such. Of course, we do appreciate it and realise that it is a big task and a 24/7 effort.

So, Mr Speaker, I would argue that I believe I am entitled to my opinion, just as the Minister is entitled her opinion.

Mrs Josephine Teo : Mr Speaker, I appreciate Ms Lim for her clarifications. I do not think there is a question that we are each entitled to our opinions. This was not a question of opinion at all. It is simply to say that following the debate, whatever goes on to social media for the benefit of the people who are not able to take part in this discussion, I hope that messages being put out by MPs do not simply use very sensational, glaring headlines.

I would very much appreciate if we can keep our efforts focused on the actual things that will make a difference. That is all I am asking for. I appreciate that if there is alignment on this issue across the aisle. And I would also urge MPs – let us try to keep it that way. It is the only way we can win this war against the scammers.

Mr Speaker : Mr Darryl David.

7.37 pm

Mr Darryl David (Ang Mo Kio) : Mr Speaker, Sir, the Motion today, "Building an Inclusive and Safe Digital Society", is a very broad one. Indeed, we have heard views approaching this topic from many different angles.

In my capacity as Deputy Chairman of the GPCs for Culture, Community and Youth and Education, I would like to focus on the issue of online harms and the impact of online harms on two specific groups in our community – women and children. And also from an education perspective, what more can be done to help mitigate the impact of online harms through education.

Although there has yet to be a universally accepted definition of what constitute online harms, this can be broadly described as online behaviour that may directly or indirectly hurt a person physically or emotionally, harmful information that is posted online or information sent to a person via electronic means.

Increasingly, countries are realising the dangers of online harms and the adverse impacts they could have on vulnerable communities. The UK passed the Online Safety Bill in October 2023 to protect people, especially children, from online harms.

In Singapore, we have taken active steps to mitigate the danger of online harms by introducing the Codes of Practice for Online Safety and the Content Code for Social Media Services in 2022 and also passing the Online Criminal Harms Act, as was referenced earlier in the debate, in 2023.

While these codes of conducts and regulations were introduced and passed in good faith and they are laudable and much needed attempts to make online spaces safer, they are also broad strokes that probably do not adequately capture the complexities of online harms.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the online world is in many ways just as if not more diverse than the offline physical world. Online harms are notoriously nebulous and regulating them is difficult because, although they are undesirable and morally questionable, many of them are not, strictly speaking, illegal. For instance, how do we define and regulate trolling, cancel campaigns and the issue of body shaming online? Different people would understand and interpret them somewhat differently, depending on whether they are engaging those activities or are on the receiving end of such behaviours.

These online behaviours, although not illegal, can cause severe mental distress, emotional anguish and diminish the self-worth of victims, even causing victims to experience physical harm if left unchecked over prolonged period.

I believe there is an urgent need to tackle these non-illegal but distressful online harms since they are more likely to happen on a day-to-day basis on social media platforms, thereby impacting a wider community, and are harder to detect and act on than overt online dangers such as terrorism propaganda, child sexual abuse and other exploitation materials.

I would like to speak now on having a more nuanced topology on online danger and online harms.

Overt online danger such as terrorism propaganda, sexual exploitation and abuse, threats to racial and religious harmony and public health are entirely different from online harms such as cyberstalking, body shaming, unwanted sexual attention, trolling and cancel campaigns. So, bundling them together within the same topology of undesirable online content could sometimes risk obfuscating the nature and impact of these online harms, potentially reducing the efficacy of remedy or remedial actions that can be undertaken.

The World Economic Forum has recently developed a Topology of Online Harms that had provided a more nuanced breakdown of such harms, examining them from content production, distribution, consumption and whether such harms took place through interactions with others – contact-based – or were through behaviours facilitated by technology, which is more based on conduct.

I believe there is a need for us to adopt a similar approach to classify online harms in Singapore in a more nuanced manner, so that we can build a more robust regulatory framework on online harms, implement target-based upstream preventive education in schools and communities to inoculate as we educate Singaporeans, especially women and children, against online harms and provide victim-centric downstream remediation support by working with civil societies and other groups to offer accessible legal and non-legal assistance.

Mr Speaker, Sir, a recent study by RySense, Sunshine Alliance for Action and MCI highlighted that almost 50% of the sample have experienced some form of online harm – not surprisingly, with women less likely to feel safe online and feeling more likely to be targets of online harms. What is worrisome is the unwillingness of victims to seek remediation with the top three reasons being: (a) the belief that perpetrators will not be brought to justice due to anonymity of the Internet; (b) ineffectual reporting channels of social media platforms; and (c) victims not knowing what to do.

Separately, in a report titled "10 Online Harm Myths" published by SG Her Empowerment, women between the age of 25 and 34 are more likely to suffer from online harms and a good portion of youths believe that online harms are less serious than offline ones and would stop once you go offline. Worryingly, there are also youths who believe that women who upload images online should be accepting of negative comments; as in, it is acceptable to receive sexually explicit images even when unrequested. These beliefs are quite disturbing.

The results from the two studies are telling.

First, they suggest that the actual number of victims of online harms might be higher than we think because many victims are unwilling to come forward to disclose their experience because they feel that disclosure and reporting would not make much difference to their ordeals.

Second, the results also suggest that not only is there a general lack of awareness about such harms, but there is also a certain level of apathy among youths on the possible repercussions arising from these harms, ironically when they themselves are more likely to be the target of such behaviours.

Extending this line of argument further, the lack of awareness and being apathetic towards online harms might result in youths becoming unintentional perpetrators of such behaviours.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I believe there is a need for us to stem and stop such misbeliefs among victims and youths by adopting victim-centric education and remediation.

First, I would like to encourage MOE to create mandatory online learning modules for students to better understand the wrongful content nature of online harms, how their distribution and consumption will cause distress and hurt to victims and where to seek help if they are victims. Just as how some companies require their employees to complete annual mandatory e-learning exercises and quizzes on the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), for example, perhaps all students in Singapore above a certain age must complete the module and obtain a minimum score in the online harms quiz.

Second, I hope that we can take a more strident position on perpetrators of online harms, bearing in mind the long-term scarring impact that such harms might have on victims. When social media platforms take down identified offensive online content, can they consider banning or restricting the offending IP address from accessing their platforms or from creating new social media accounts?

Third, at present, I believe there is only one dedicated centre – SG Her Empowerment – where victims of online harms can seek assistance. Could the Government consider working with other civil society groups, especially community-based ones, to provide additional avenues for victims of online harms to seek for assistance?

To further encourage victims of online harms to seek for help and to increase their confidence that actions will be taken against perpetrators, would the Government then consider with working even with social media platforms to compile an annual report of the number of online harm cases reported, the number of successful actions taken, the type of actions taken against the perpetrators and the number of convictions made in a year?

I believe making these statistics and the identification even of convicted perpetrators available will give victims the assurance that their voices are being heard and actions will be taken to safeguard their online safety.

Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore has been a forerunner in tackling potential harms of the Internet. We began to take a serious view on misinformation and disinformation in 2017 when we conducted a review on our existing laws to combat fake news. When the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act was passed in 2019, we were one of the first countries in the world to pass a law tackling online falsehoods. So, we are leaders in this field.

With generative AI and deepfakes opening up a new frontier on online harms, I believe that it is timely that we calibrate our approach towards online harms by taking a more serious view on them and thereby making a digital indeed, not just inclusive, but a safe space for our community. With that, I end my speech in firm support of the Motion.

Mr Speaker : Ms Tin Pei Ling. Hold on. Mr Leong, do you have a clarification? It should be a clarification and not a speech.

7.47 pm

Mr Leong Mun Wai (Non-Constituency Member) : Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir. I just have one question for Minister Josephine Teo.

I am glad that many Members have pointed out that digital inclusivity is also about ensuring that digital systems are inclusive and user-friendly and not deployed just for profit-seeking by businesses. That indeed is PSP's core position as presented by my colleague, Ms Hazel Poa.

In view that, I would like to ask the Minister how she will respond in relation to what we have discussed and debated today about digital inclusivity, how she will respond to the many negative feedback from Singaporeans about SimplyGo. Incidents like SimplyGo will affect the trust in digital systems in the long run.

Mrs Josephine Teo : Mr Speaker, I invite Mr Leong to file a Parliamentary Question on that. I think that will be more appropriate, so that a proper response can be given.

Mr Speaker : I agree. Ms Tin Pei Ling.

7.49 pm

Ms Tin Pei Ling (MacPherson) : Sir, it has been my great privilege to debate in this House on taking a whole-of-nation approach to sustain trust through a safe and inclusive digital society.

Our PAP MPs, Ms Jessica Tan, Mr Sharael Taha, Ms Hany Soh, Ms Nadia Samdin, Dr Wan Rizal, Mr Yip Hon Weng, Ms Mariam Jaafar, Mr Vikram Nair and Mr Darryl David have put forth a total of 13 calls to action, many more, if we double click into these calls of action, calling on our Government, industry players and individuals, like you and me, to play a more proactive role in ensuring a safe and inclusive online environment as Singapore continues to forge ahead into the digital future. I thank my Parliamentary colleagues for working on and making these calls.

Past Parliament Sittings have seen colleagues from both sides of the aisle raising questions and putting forth suggestions on different issues pertaining to both opportunities and risks that come with digitalisation. Hence, I am heartened that we have had a robust debate on this Motion in this House today and most of all, I am heartened by the echos of support for the Motion, from both sides of the aisle, that the GPC for Communications and Information has put forth.

And I sincerely appreciate the interest and support from the Workers' Party, namely, Ms Sylvia Lim, Assoc Prof Jamus Lim and Mr Gerald Giam as well as the Progress Singapore Party, Ms Hazel Poa and, of course, our Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs), Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim, Mr Ong Hua Han, Ms Usha Chandradas, Mr Mark Lee and Ms Jean See, in this Moton debate as well.

I will not recap everyone's points and suggestions, but I have gained useful insights from all of you in this House.

Through the debate, it is clear that Singapore is not alone in facing the challenges that come along with digitalisation. Challenges, such as scams and online harms, have been a global issue. Advanced economies, like the US, UK and Europe are also still in the process of better understanding the issues and formulating responses and safeguards to better protect their own citizens, given the evolving nature of these risks and challenges.

That being the case, having heard from Minister Josephine Teo and Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How earlier, I believe we can feel more assured now, with the many initiatives and safeguards that the Government has already put in place to protect and enable our citizens in the digital economy and digital society.

These include pooling of resources and expertise, tools, codes and legislation to tackle scams, harmful online content, misinformation and data protection, as well as financial assistance and support schemes to enable digital access and empower the vulnerable.

Given the many initiatives implemented at different points of time, some publicised and some not, it is sometimes easy to misunderstand the Government as being too slow, too slacked, uncaring and only favouring business or money. But arising from this debate, I am glad to note the suite of Government initiatives in place to detect, deter and protect Singaporeans. The "big picture" is a lot clearer now.

So, instead of claiming that there is a "crisis of confidence" in Singapore towards digital, it is more appropriate to note that Singapore has been proactive in tackling the challenges, when some advanced countries actually found it unthinkable to do.

I am also especially appreciative that the Government has been open to our 13 calls to action and committed to taking actions on our calls made.

Ultimately, both sides of this House do not disagree that digitalisation has and will continue to bring benefits to our nation and our people.

But there are risks that we must manage and we will, because it is debilitating if we stop moving forward and living our lives, just because we are worried about all the possible consequences outside. I should add that we need to also recognise that there is always a balance to be struck. While we want rigour in how we manage risks and prevent harms to our people, we also want to ensure that we do not add disproportionate amount of friction to digital transactions or meaningful innovations. So, let us also be mindful that there will be trade-offs.

Still, it remains that we all need to do more. If everyone is willing to take on a larger share of the responsibility, we can protect more people and reduce the possible harms to the ordinary citizen.

( In Mandarin ) : [ Please refer to Vernacular Speech .] Earlier on, I mentioned the opportunities and challenges brought forth by digital transformation. Online harm is also evolving rapidly, as the Chinese saying goes "the higher the level, the greater the devil". I hope that through the combined efforts of the Government, businesses and the people, we can defeat the devils even as they get more sophisticated. Thus, we will be able to build an inclusive and safe digital society with deep trust.

( In English ): As I conclude, I would like to echo what my fellow Parliamentary colleagues have expounded in this debate. With stronger partnerships between the Government, industry players and our people, Singapore can be the beacon and lead the world in fostering trust in the digital future, through a safe and inclusive digital society. [ Applause .]

Mr Speaker : Any clarifications for Ms Tin? No.

[(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)]

[(proc text) Resolved, "That this House reaffirms our commitment to adopt a whole-of-nation approach to sustain trust by building an inclusive and safe digital society." (proc text)]

Mr Speaker : Leader of the House.

Hansard 原始记录