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The Singapore Government is set to introduce a new, unified SMS Sender ID, gov.sg, for all government-related communications. Starting from 1 July 2024, all SMSes from government agencies will be sent from this single gov.sg ID, replacing the current practice of using individual agency-specific Sender IDs. This initiative aims to help the public easily identify legitimate government messages and protect against impersonation scams.
SMS remains a vital communication platform in Singapore due to the widespread use of mobile phones. Annually, government agencies send over 100 million SMSes to inform the public about policy changes, transaction updates, and more.
Various government agencies in Singapore utilise the gov.sg Sender ID for their official communications. For instance, the Central Provident Fund Board sends updates regarding personal CPF matters, transaction statuses, and appointment details. The Housing Development Board notifies residents about season parking, parking offences, and eligibility statuses for HDB flats and loans. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority sends reminders for the renewal of Identity Cards and Passports.
Additionally, the Land Transport Authority provides updates on application statuses and renewals for vocational licences. These communications are crucial for keeping Singaporeans informed about important matters related to their personal finances, housing, identification, and transport needs
Mr Sim Feng-Ji, Deputy Secretary (Smart Nation Group), emphasised the benefits of this new initiative, “The consolidated gov.sg SMS Sender ID is designed to give the public added confidence and peace of mind when identifying legitimate SMSes from government agencies. It exemplifies the Government’s commitment to eradicating malicious attempts that undermine public trust in government communications.”
To safeguard the integrity of the gov.sg Sender ID, the government has collaborated with SMS aggregators and all telecommunications service providers operating in Singapore. This partnership is crucial in preventing the gov.sg Sender ID from being spoofed by malicious actors.
Exceptions to the use of the gov.sg Sender ID will be minimal, primarily reserved for National Service communications and emergency services. Specifically, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) will use the numerical Sender ID 72255 for National Service notifications, encompassing call-ups and training activities. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will deploy designated Sender IDs like 71999 and MHAalert for emergency services, including support for individuals with disabilities and specific public alert systems.
As OpenGov Asia reported, Singapore places significant emphasis on ensuring robust and secure telecommunications infrastructure, recognising its critical role in safeguarding national interests and supporting economic activities. This is underscored by collaborative efforts with international partners like Hong Kong, aimed at enhancing resilience against emerging threats such as scams.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Singapore’s IMDA and Hong Kong’s OFCA highlights mutual commitments to combat scam activities through information exchange, regulatory alignment, and public education.
Such partnerships are part of Singapore’s broader strategy to bolster cybersecurity laws and international cooperation, reflecting its proactive stance in addressing evolving digital challenges and safeguarding its digital economy.
The Shared Responsibility Framework, introduced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), outlines specific responsibilities for financial institutions (FIs) and telecommunications companies (Telcos) to combat phishing scams.
Under this framework, Telcos are mandated to implement measures such as scam filters and transaction notifications to prevent unauthorised transactions and bolster consumer protection. Breaches of these responsibilities will trigger a structured accountability mechanism, stressing Telcos’ role alongside FIs in safeguarding against financial scams and maintaining trust in digital banking systems.
The transition to the gov.sg SMS Sender ID will begin on 18 June 2024, with full implementation by 1 July 2024. The public is advised to remain vigilant against scams and to verify the gov.sg Sender ID in government SMSes. For more information on the gov.sg SMS Sender ID, visit sms.gov.sg.
