Be aware of scammers impersonating as IMDA officers and report any suspicious calls to the police. Please note that IMDA officers will never call you nor request for your personal information. For scam-related advice, please call the Anti-Scam helpline at 1800-722-6688 or go to www.scamalert.sg.

Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) signed Memorandum of Arrangement (MOA) for enhanced cooperation on scam and spam communications

SINGAPORE – 14 SEP 2023

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) have signed a MOA to enhance cooperation between both countries to combat scam and spam.

Deputy Chief Executive of IMDA, Ms Aileen Chia and the Chief Executive of DIA, Mr Paul James signed the MOA on 7 Sep 2023 at a signing ceremony in Singapore.

The MOA seeks to strengthen information exchanges at the international level, such as scam trends, regulatory and technological solutions, public education, as well as collaboration in projects aimed at enhancing anti-scam measures. Given the cross-border nature of scam and spam, this partnership will enable Singapore and New Zealand to better protect their citizens from them. Singapore and New Zealand enjoy a close and longstanding relationship. Both countries are small and open with many common interests and cooperate closely both bilaterally and multilaterally.

“We have signed this MOA to facilitate research, knowledge and understanding of our respective countries’ legal and enforcement approaches, and to allow each country to provide investigative assistance in relevant cases that affect either or both countries,” said Mr Paul James. “DIA looks forward to building stronger ties with IMDA to fight unwanted calls and messages. Singapore is an important partner for Aotearoa New Zealand on the digital economy and this new initiative builds on our existing cooperation in this area.”

Scam and spam communications are a global issue requiring close cooperation internationally to tackle. The MOA with DIA strengthens Singapore’s ability to combat scam and spam and helps to drive unity and cooperation with like-minded regulators. Singapore has taken a proactive approach to protect our citizens and will continue to do so by strengthening international partnerships.

Ms Aileen Chia

Deputy Chief Executive of IMDA

Both countries recognise the importance of developing a global and coordinated approach to address these threats and for different stakeholders to work together. This MOA forms part of IMDA’s broader international approach to work with overseas regulators to better combat scams coming through communication channels such as calls and SMSs.

IMDA NZ DIA signed Memorandum of Arrangement
Chief Executive of DIA, Mr Paul James (left) and Ms Aileen Chia, Deputy Chief Executive of IMDA (right) signed a MOA on 7 Sep 2023

LAST UPDATED: 25 JUL 2024

Issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)

About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation with infocomm media. To do this, IMDA will develop a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional infocomm media (ICM) ecosystem – by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICM infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission.

For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on LinkedIn (@IMDA), Facebook (@IMDAsg) and Instagram (@IMDAsg).

For media clarifications, please contact:

(Ms) Brenda Tan
Manager
(Communications and Marketing)
IMDA
Email: media@imda.gov.sg

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