New code requires social media platforms in Singapore to verify advertisers' identities

Social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and TikTok must soon verify the identities of advertisers against government-issued records. Singapore's new Social Media Code aims to guard against scams and malicious cyber activities. There's also an additional code for messaging platforms and enhanced rules for e-commerce services. The police have designated seven messaging and conferencing services – including WhatsApp and Telegram – as posing the highest scam risk to users. Under the new requirements, which must be implemented by Jan 31 next year, ads offering financial services or products must be blocked unless the advertiser is licensed.