The Online Industry Safety and Security Watch Group (iSSWG) was launched on Wednesday, 6 January 2021 by Mr Desmond Tan, Minister of State for Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.
Formed as a partnership between the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), the Online iSSWG aims to:
- Promote greater exchange of information to fight crime and counter the threat of terrorism online;
- Enhance public awareness of common scam tactics and cyber safety;
- Encourage sharing of expertise and best practices to strengthen the security of online platforms; and
- Support development of guidelines, frameworks or industry standards to create safe online communities.
Industry Safety and Security Watch Group (iSSWG)
The iSSWG framework was formed in 2008 and currently consists of members from the Chemical, Manufacturing, Hotel, Retail, Financial and Public Entertainment industries. The iSSWG provides an important platform for the Home Team and our industry stakeholders to work together to address industry-specific safety and security concerns, and to co-create effective measures to counter the threat of crime and terrorism.
Formation of Online iSSWG
A key driver for the formation of the Online iSSWG is the growing concern over online crimes. In the first half of 2020, the total amount cheated for the top ten scam types doubled to S$82 million, from S$41.6 million in the same period in 2019.
E-Commerce scams, social media impersonation scams, loan scams and banking-related phishing scams are of particular concern. These four categories made up 71% of the top ten scam types reported in the first half of 2020, and saw a sharp rise of 163% in the total number of reported cases compared to the same period in 2019.
Terrorism has also expanded its reach and influence via online channels. As people are becoming more tech-savvy, digital platforms offer new means to spread extremist propaganda to a wider group of communities, and this can lead to serious consequences in the real world.
The launch of the Online iSSWG formalises the partnership between the SPF and AIC to create a safer and more secure online community for all users. Director of the Community Partnership Department, Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) Charles Shng said, “As criminals continue to be inventive and exploit the vulnerabilities of the virtual space, the Singapore Police Force must stay ahead of these technological trends and expand our community partnerships into the online ecosystem. SPF is glad to have the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) on board. This partnership with AIC will complement our community outreach and engagement efforts in the physical world so as to achieve a more effective and coordinated response to these threats.”
Managing Director of the AIC, Mr Jeff Paine said, “AIC member companies are proud to partner the Singapore Police Force to enhance online safety. Many of our member companies are already working closely with the stakeholders including civic groups, educators, and policymakers to increase awareness of online crime and security and protect the integrity of online conversations. We look forward to extending the reach and impact of our efforts through deeper collaboration with SPF to build a safer online community for Singaporeans.”
Facebook, a member of the AIC added, “The safety of Facebook’s users is always our top priority. For years, we have worked closely with a range of stakeholders in Singapore – including the Singapore Police Force – to inform and educate users on how they can stay safe online. We warmly welcome the formation of the Online iSSWG and Facebook looks forward to collaborating with the other members of the AIC on this new initiative.”
The SPF looks forward to collaborating with the AIC and its members to create a safer and more secure online community for all.
Launch of the Online iSSWG (L to R): Mr Ang Choo Pin, Chair of Asia Internet Coalition; Mr Desmond Tan, Minister of State for Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment; Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Tan Hung Hooi, Singapore Police Force
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
06 January 2021 @ 6:00 PM