Our combat towards 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 units. Launched first in Singapore, the function protects cellular customers towards malware scams by blocking probably dangerous sideloaded apps.
Since February, the function has blocked practically 900,000 high-risk app set up makes an attempt on over 200,000 units. Many of those apps are impersonations of in style 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 determine trusted authorities providers.
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 authentic manufacturers and organizations – so companies can join with their clients extra securely.
Digital literacy
The rise in rip-off incidents reveals us that we have to double down on reinforcing digital literacy efforts — notably amongst these most weak. By 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 towards scams and on-line threats by 2026. This marks our largest ever Google.org assist to a Singaporean social influence 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 boost consciousness on rip-off prevention.
We’re additionally launching our third YouTube Creators for Impression program. Supported by the Ministry of Digital Improvement and Info, native creators will elevate consciousness of on-line harms prevalent amongst Singaporean youth – like cyberbullying and image-based sexual abuse.
