Brunei has been making significant strides in the fight against cyber threats and online scams, with Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha announcing that a total of 82 fraudulent websites and 557 phone numbers have been blocked since 2024. These actions are part of a collaborative effort with various agencies aimed at safeguarding citizens from cyber risks.
During the 21st Legislative Council session, the minister provided this information in response to a query raised by Yang Berhormat Haji Mohd Salleh bin Haji Othman regarding the ministry’s strategies to combat smartphone hacking and scams. It was emphasized that continuous efforts are being made to block fraudulent websites and phone numbers used for various scams, with close coordination between the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Unified National Networks (UNN), and local service providers.
To bolster Brunei’s cybersecurity framework, multiple measures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been implemented to address complaints related to scam calls and fraudulent SMS. These SOPs ensure swift responses against reported numbers and websites involved in cyber fraud.
One major initiative in tackling illegal activities related to calls and SMS is the re-registration of prepaid SIM cards, spearheaded by the Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) in collaboration with various service providers. The re-registration program aims to maintain an updated user database, aiding law enforcement in preventing the misuse of SIM cards for fraudulent activities such as scams and the dissemination of fake news.
Public awareness campaigns are also being actively promoted, with AITI working alongside service providers to educate senior citizens and youth about online security risks. The production of awareness materials such as posters and video clips further enhances these efforts.
Cyber Security Brunei (CSB) recently conducted a workshop during a cybersecurity conference, engaging law enforcement agencies, the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB), and major banks to introduce technological methods for fraud detection through the Fraud Intelligence Platform. The potential adoption of this platform by CSB could significantly enhance the monitoring and mitigation of online scams.
In the realm of digital safety and fact-checking, AITI has established a centralized fact-checking platform to combat misinformation and scams, contributing to the arrest of individuals involved in online fraud and subsequent legal proceedings.
Regarding social media regulation and protecting children online, Brunei is actively reviewing regional strategies, particularly from ASEAN and Australia. Collaborative efforts with Meta, the company behind major social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, are ongoing to safeguard children from online crimes and inappropriate content.
Despite ongoing challenges in content regulation, Brunei continues to block immoral websites and enhance public awareness on responsible internet usage to counteract the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that bypass restrictions for accessing restricted content. Initiatives such as updating online safety guidebooks and conducting educational programs on cybersecurity best practices aim to foster a safer online environment.
Looking toward the future, Brunei is engaging with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to develop a comprehensive framework for children’s online safety. By refining existing regulations and implementing more effective digital safety measures through workshops and collaborations, Brunei is committed to ensuring a secure online environment for all users.