S'PORE AUTHORITIES ASKED FACEBOOK FOR INFORMATION ON 117 USERS THIS YEAR

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Facebook revealed that Singapore Authorities made 107 requests for information on 117 individuals from Facebook in the first half of this year and that the social media giant complied with 70% of those requests.

In a report about the number of government requests it receives, Facebook shared that it had been requested to give information about more than 38 000 Facebook users so far this year.

There were a total of 71 countries that had requested information from Facebook with the US topping the list for the most number of requests made. US Authorities requested information on around 21 000 users.

Details were not given on what specific type of information was requested or given, but Facebook shared that most of the information was requested for help with solving criminal cases. Some requests were also made on the grounds of National Security.

In a statement, a Facebook representative said that many of the requests are fought where there appears to be legal deficiencies or requests are too broad or vague.

"When we are required to comply with a particular request, we frequently share only basic user information, such as name." said Colin Stretch, the company's general counsel.

He shared that they scrutinize the requests against a “very high legal bar”.

"We strongly encourage all governments to provide greater transparency about their efforts aimed at keeping the public safe, and we will continue to be aggressive advocates for greater disclosure," Mr Stretch said.

It is understood that Facebook will continue to disclose to the public information on the number of requests it receives from governments.
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