Our fight against scams

In response to the increase in financial fraud attacks in Singapore, we partnered with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore in February to launch a new enhanced fraud protection feature within Google Play Protect for all local Android devices. Launched first in Singapore, the feature protects mobile users against malware scams by blocking potentially risky sideloaded apps.

Since February, the feature has blocked nearly 900,000 high-risk app installation attempts on over 200,000 devices. Many of these apps are impersonations of popular messaging apps, gaming apps or e-commerce apps that were potentially used for fraud.

We’re also launching a new Play feature that will show a “Government” badge on authentic government apps, making it easier to identify trusted government services.

And, we’ve made RCS Business Messaging (RBM) available to all RCS-enabled Android users in Singapore. RBM’s messages are encrypted and verified to ensure they come from legitimate brands and organizations – so businesses can connect with their customers more securely.

Digital literacy

The rise in scam incidents shows us that we need to double down on reinforcing digital literacy efforts — particularly among those most vulnerable. Through Google.org, our philanthropic arm, we’re supporting Bamboo Builders, a Singapore-based social enterprise, with a USD$2 million grant (approx. S$2.6 million) to launch SG ScamWISE, an initiative that aims to protect 100,000 underserved youths and seniors against scams and online threats by 2026. This marks our largest ever Google.org support to a Singaporean social impact organization.

Bamboo Builders will partner with the Tech for Good Institute to conduct research on scams in Singapore and Southeast Asia, partner with local organizations to conduct anti-scam training and work with youth ambassadors to raise awareness on scam prevention.

We’re also launching our third YouTube Creators for Impact program. Supported by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, local creators will raise awareness of online harms prevalent among Singaporean youth – like cyberbullying and image-based sexual abuse.