\n<\/p>\n
Singapore\u2019s Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) told CNA it was aware of several online accounts publishing numerous videos in recent weeks to make \u201cwholly fabricated and outlandish claims\u201d about Singapore\u2019s foreign policy and domestic politics.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would be clear to Singaporeans, and those who live here, that the videos contain entirely made-up storylines about Singapore\u2019s current affairs.\u201d<\/p>\n
A spokesperson noted that Singapore was not immune to attempts by others to sow distrust, influence public opinion or interfere in its domestic politics.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeyond regulatory measures, a well-informed, vigilant and discerning public is our first and most crucial layer of defence against misinformation,\u201d MDDI added, pointing to public education measures and government-developed resources.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The ministry urged members of the public to check official sources for accurate information, and to avoid forwarding content from unknown or unverified sources.<\/p>\n
S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) senior fellow Benjamin Ang noted that when people in Singapore encounter misinformation or biased narratives in their mother tongue, it can appeal to their identity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf English-speaking fact-checkers (or the government) try to debunk in English, there is a serious disconnect,\u201d he added. \u201cThere is a serious need for capability-building and support in mother tongue.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond YouTube, Mr Ang\u2019s team has been looking at similar Chinese-language videos on TikTok. On Facebook, CNA has also found duplicates or near-identical copies of several videos in the campaign.<\/p>\n
Mr Ang, who heads the centre of excellence for national security as well as digital impact research at RSIS, cautioned against rushing to attribute deceptive or harmful content to foreign interference.<\/p>\n
He pointed to research finding a range of other motives, including how sensational and political content can draw clicks which in turn build advertising revenue \u2013 or build followings that can be exploited later.<\/p>\n
Assoc Prof Chong said that as disinformation efforts become increasingly advanced, videos and networks have also grown in numbers, variety, narratives and even production quality.<\/p>\n
Hence the importance of media and civic literacy in battling these attempts to erode social cohesion and resilience.<\/p>\n
\u201cSuch phenomena will only become more widespread,\u201d he said. \u201cFuture output will likely be even more sophisticated.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n