Our battle in opposition to scams
In response to the rise in monetary fraud assaults in Singapore, we partnered with the Cyber Safety Company of Singapore in February to launch a new enhanced fraud safety function inside Google Play Defend for all native Android gadgets. Launched first in Singapore, the function protects cellular customers in opposition to malware scams by blocking probably dangerous sideloaded apps.
Since February, the function has blocked almost 900,000 high-risk app set up makes an attempt on over 200,000 gadgets. Many of those apps are impersonations of common messaging apps, gaming apps or e-commerce apps that had been probably used for fraud.
We’re additionally launching a brand new Play function that may present a “Authorities” badge on genuine authorities apps, making it simpler to establish trusted authorities companies.
And, we’ve made RCS Enterprise Messaging (RBM) out there to all RCS-enabled Android customers in Singapore. RBM’s messages are encrypted and verified to make sure they arrive from professional manufacturers and organizations – so companies can join with their clients extra securely.
Digital literacy
The rise in rip-off incidents exhibits us that we have to double down on reinforcing digital literacy efforts — significantly amongst these most weak. Via 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 goals to guard 100,000 underserved youths and seniors in opposition to scams and on-line threats by 2026. This marks our largest ever Google.org assist to a Singaporean social impression group.
Bamboo Builders will associate with the Tech for Good Institute to conduct analysis on scams in Singapore and Southeast Asia, associate with native organizations to conduct anti-scam coaching and work with youth ambassadors to lift consciousness on rip-off prevention.
We’re additionally launching our third YouTube Creators for Impression program. Supported by the Ministry of Digital Growth and Data, native creators will increase consciousness of on-line harms prevalent amongst Singaporean youth – like cyberbullying and image-based sexual abuse.
