Singapore Blocks Six Fake News Websites Over Disinformation Concerns

Gate News message, April 24 — Singapore has ordered internet service providers to block six foreign-linked websites that impersonated local news outlets and spread disinformation. Authorities said the sites mimicked legitimate local news outlets and were linked to misinformation networks, with most becoming active after Singapore announced a national election.

Five of the websites were created on March 28, 2021, and overhauled in June 2025 with news tickers and other features designed to appear more like authentic news outlets. Five were registered in the Cayman Islands, while the sixth, sgtimes.com, was registered in Jiangsu province in eastern China. The network republished Singapore-related stories from Channel NewsAsia, Bloomberg, and Business Insider, but credited the content to itself. The sixth outlet, sgtimes.com, positioned itself as an independent voice and published articles featuring statements from the Chinese embassy in Singapore.

This enforcement action reflects Singapore's broader efforts to counter foreign influence. The country blocked 10 foreign-linked inauthentic websites in 2024 and plans to amend its foreign-interference law. The tactic of building credible-looking websites to gain local audiences before deploying them for disinformation represents a shift toward cheaper, automated sleeper-cell networks that can remain dormant until needed.