Singapore Blocks TikTok and Meta Accounts Linked to Alleged Extremist
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Singapore has directed TikTok and Meta to block access to accounts belonging to Zulfikar bin Mohamad Shariff, an Australian citizen formerly of Singapore, citing concerns he contributed to the radicalization of singaporean citizens and interfered with domestic affairs. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the order on Tuesday, utilizing the recently enacted Online Criminal Damage Act. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/tiktok-meta-block-zulfikar-mohamad-shariff-accounts-radicalisation-elections-4669991
The MHA alleges that Zulfikar promoted extremist views, advocating for the rejection of Singapore’s secular government in favor of an Islamic state governed by Sharia law, and suggesting violence as a potential means to achieve this goal.
Background on Zulfikar bin Mohamad Shariff
Zulfikar was previously detained in Singapore in 2016 under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for promoting terrorism and glorifying the Islamic State online. https://www.mha.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-on-detention-of-zulfikar-bin-mohamad-shariff/ The ISA allows for prolonged detention without trial under certain circumstances,including those related to national security. He renounced his Singaporean citizenship in 2020.
Authorities state that despite his loss of citizenship,Zulfikar continued to incite discontent,particularly targeting the relationship between Singapore’s Malay/Muslim community and its chinese majority. A TikTok video posted in June 2024, where he claimed Malays and Muslims were being forced to assimilate into the Chinese community, was specifically cited as a contributing factor to the blocking order.https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/tiktok-meta-block-zulfikar-mohamad-shariff-accounts-radicalisation-elections-4669991
The MHA also accused Zulfikar of attempting to influence Singapore’s recent elections.
Singapore’s Response and the Online criminal Damage Act
Singapore’s multi-ethnic population consists of 74% Chinese, 13.6% Malay, 9% Indian, and 3.3% other groups. https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/population/population-and-demographic-indicators The government emphasizes its commitment to maintaining racial and religious harmony.
The blocking order was issued under the Online Criminal damage Act, which came into effect in February 2024. This legislation aims to address online harms and provides the government with powers to compel platforms to remove or block access to content deemed harmful. https://www.mha.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-on-online-criminal-damage-act/
“The Singapore government takes threats to our racial and religious harmony, including those from foreigners, very seriously and will not hesitate to act against them,” the MHA stated.
As of November 26, 2024, TikTok and Meta have not yet issued public comments regarding the blocking order.
Key Takeaways
* Singapore has ordered TikTok and Meta to block accounts belonging to Zulfikar bin Mohamad Shariff.
* zulfikar is accused of promoting extremist views and inciting racial and religious disharmony.
* The action was taken under the newly implemented online Criminal Damage Act.
* Singapore emphasizes its commitment to maintaining racial and religious harmony and will act against perceived threats.
FAQ
Q: What is the Internal Security Act (ISA)?
A: The ISA is a Singaporean law that allows for the detention of individuals suspected of posing a threat to national security,even without a formal trial.
Q: What is the Online Criminal Damage Act?
A: This act, enacted in February 2024, empowers the Singapore government to compel online platforms to