The Infocomm Media Development Authority has launched a Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services (ADSs) (“Code”), which requires designated ADSs to implement system-level measures to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful content for users, particularly for children.
The Code will take effect starting 31 March 2025.
The Singapore Parliament has passed the Protection from Scams Bill (“Bill”).
The Bill is intended to address the concerning situation surrounding scams in Singapore, with a high number of scams being observed despite other recent measures and extensive public education efforts in recent years.
On 5 December 2024, the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore published an update regarding products found by foreign regulators in November 2024 to contain impermissible and potent ingredients that may cause harmful side effects.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) conducted a large-scale operation in collaboration with major e-commerce and social media platforms, removing over 3,300 listings of illegal health products. The operation highlights the HSA’s commitment to consumer safety, targeting substandard or counterfeit products that are potentially unsafe and pose health risks.
Singapore and the European Union (EU) have formalized their collaboration on Artificial Intelligence (AI) safety with the establishment of a new Administrative Arrangement (AA). This arrangement aims to enhance cooperation in promoting technological innovation and the development and responsible use of safe, trustworthy, and human-centric AI. The AA was signed by Mr Joseph Leong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Development and Information of Singapore, and Mr Roberto Viola, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology of the European Commission.
Singapore and the United Kingdom have signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to enhance the safety and reliability of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in its development and use. This agreement aims to pave the way for greater public trust in AI advancements. The MoC was signed by Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle, during Minister Teo’s working visit to the UK.
The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the Protection from Scams Bill for First Reading in Parliament on 11 November 2024. The Bill empowers the Police to issue Restriction Orders (ROs) to banks to restrict an individual’s banking transactions, if there is reasonable belief that the individual will make money transfers to scammers.
In October 2024, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) updated its Guidance on the Implementation of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Evidence for Drug Substance (DS) Manufacturers (“Guidance”).
This is a timely amendment to the Guidance as the requirement for chemical DS manufacturers to provide evidence of GMP compliance became mandatory with effect from 1 October 2024, after a one-year grace period.
The Ministry of Health will be extending the Nutri-Grade labeling requirements and advertising restrictions to products high in sodium and saturated fats, such as prepacked salt, sauces and seasonings; instant noodles; and cooking oil. These measures aim to help consumers make healthier choices and encourage industry reformulation.
The Medical Devices Cluster of the Health Sciences Authority has released a draft guidance on the Change Management Program for Software as a Medical Device. Change Management Program is the new optional regulatory pathway that aims to streamline the SaMD regulatory framework and facilitate timely implementation of software changes for registered SaMDs in Singapore.