Singapore passes controversial foreign interference law, allowing authorities to block internet content

Singapore’s Parliament has passed a law that aims to counter foreign interference in its domestic politics. The controversial law gives authorities power to block internet content that they deem “hostile".

Singapore’s Parliament has passed a law that intends to prevent foreign interference in its domestic politics. The same is being criticised by the opposition and human rights activists, terming it a tool to crush dissent.

The final discussions happened on October 4, stretching into midnight (Singapore time) after more than ten hours of intense debate in Parliament. The main drivers behind this law include apparent threats Singapore is facing owing to foreign interference. Singapore’s law and home affairs minister K Shanmugam said Singapore was vulnerable to “hostile information campaigns” carried out from overseas and through local proxies.