Singapore Mandates Advertiser Verification to Combat Online Scams

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has introduced stringent operational requirements for digital platforms to curb the proliferation of online fraud. On August 17, 2026, the SPF issued new Codes of Practice (COPs) under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA), marking a pivot toward systemic platform accountability.

The regulatory framework introduces a Messaging Code and a Social Media Code while enhancing the existing E-commerce Code. Under these rules, designated social media, messaging, and e-commerce platforms must implement rigorous safeguards, most notably the mandatory verification of advertiser identities. Platforms are now required to block advertisements for financial services that lack proper licensing. These measures are backed by the OCHA, which grants the government authority to order the immediate takedown of accounts, apps, and websites utilized for criminal activity.

The Cost of Digital Fraud

This regulatory tightening follows a period of staggering financial loss. According to Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann, Singapore lost more than US$2.8 billion (approximately S$3.7 billion) to scams between 2020 and the first half of 2025. The SPF has identified investment scams on online messaging platforms as a primary concern, as these channels often provide the anonymity necessary for fraudsters to operate at scale.

A Shift in Strategy

For years, the government's approach to online scams was largely reactive, focusing on removing fraudulent content after it had already reached victims. The implementation of the COPs represents a strategic shift toward proactive prevention. By forcing platforms to verify who is paying for advertisements, the state aims to dismantle the anonymity that fuels large-scale investment and financial fraud campaigns. This moves the burden of vigilance from the end-user to the service provider, requiring platforms to ensure their advertising ecosystems are not weaponized by criminals.

Future Enforcement

The Online Criminal Harms Act was originally enacted in 2023, with initial provisions taking effect in February 2024. The framework for these specific Codes of Practice and implementation directives officially came into force on June 24, 2024, culminating in the August 2026 mandates. Moving forward, the industry will monitor how the SPF tracks compliance and the speed at which platforms integrate these verification layers without disrupting legitimate commerce. While the OCHA provides the legal teeth for enforcement, the effectiveness of the new codes depends on the platforms' ability to filter sophisticated, unlicensed financial actors in real-time.