Singapore Orders Meta to Prevent Facebook Impersonation Scams

Post by : Monika

On September 25, 2025, the Singapore government issued a directive to Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, demanding immediate action to combat impersonation scams on its platform. T

he government has given Meta until the end of September to implement measures, including facial recognition technology, to prevent scammers from using fake accounts and advertisements to deceive users.

What Are Impersonation Scams?

Impersonation scams occur when fraudsters create fake profiles or advertisements that appear to be from trusted individuals or organizations. In this case, scammers have been using videos and images of government officials to create counterfeit accounts, profiles, and business pages on Facebook. These fake accounts often promote fraudulent schemes, tricking users into providing personal information or money.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Singapore experienced a significant increase in such scams. The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that scammers exploited Facebook to impersonate key government office holders, leading to a rise in fraudulent activities. The ministry expressed concern over the prevalence of these scams and emphasized the need for more decisive action to protect users.

Government's Directive to Meta

In response to the growing issue, the Singapore government issued a directive to Meta, instructing the company to implement stronger anti-scam measures on its platform. The directive includes the introduction of facial recognition technology to help identify and remove fake accounts more effectively. Meta has been given until the end of September to comply with these requirements.

Failure to meet the deadline could result in a fine of up to S$1 million (approximately $776,639). Additionally, if Meta continues to neglect the issue after the deadline, the company may face daily fines of up to S$100,000. This action marks the first enforcement under Singapore's new Online Criminal Harms Act, which came into effect in February 2024.

Meta's Response and Previous Measures

Meta has acknowledged the concerns raised by the Singapore government and has taken steps to address impersonation scams globally. The company has implemented various detection systems, including facial recognition technology, to identify and remove fake accounts. Meta has also invested in moderation teams and launched advertiser verification processes to enhance security on its platform.

Despite these efforts, the Singapore government believes that more decisive action is required to curb the escalating threat of impersonation scams. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Singapore Police Force have expressed their continued concern over the prevalence of such scams in Singapore, indicating that existing measures have not been sufficient to address the issue effectively.

Impact on Users and the Community

Impersonation scams can have serious consequences for users and the community. Victims may suffer financial losses, identity theft, or emotional distress as a result of falling victim to fraudulent schemes. The proliferation of such scams undermines trust in online platforms and can erode public confidence in digital services.

The Singapore government's directive aims to protect users from these risks by compelling Meta to implement stronger safeguards against impersonation scams. By introducing facial recognition technology and other enhanced security measures, the government hopes to create a safer online environment for all users.

Broader Implications for Social Media Platforms

Singapore's actions against Meta highlight the growing scrutiny that social media platforms face regarding their role in preventing online harm. Governments worldwide are increasingly holding tech companies accountable for the content and activities that occur on their platforms. This trend reflects a broader effort to regulate the digital landscape and ensure that online spaces are safe and trustworthy for users.

As a result, social media companies may need to invest more in security technologies, moderation practices, and compliance with local laws to meet regulatory expectations. Failure to do so could lead to legal consequences, reputational damage, and loss of user trust.

The Singapore government's directive to Meta underscores the importance of addressing impersonation scams and other online threats. By implementing stronger anti-scam measures,

including facial recognition technology, Meta can help protect users from fraudulent activities and contribute to a safer digital environment. The outcome of this enforcement action may set a precedent for how governments regulate online platforms and hold companies accountable for user safety in the future.

Singapore Meta fines Facebook impersonation scams