Starting 1 July 2024, the Singapore Government will fully implement a new single SMS Sender ID, gov.sg, across all government agencies. This initiative aims to streamline and secure official communications, making it easier for the public to recognize authentic government messages and protect themselves against impersonation scams.
Easier Identification and Enhanced Security
The transition to a single Sender ID will eliminate the confusion caused by multiple IDs from various agencies. From 1 July 2024, all government-related SMS communications will come from gov.sg, ensuring clarity and authenticity. This measure is part of a broader effort to combat government impersonation scams, which have been on the rise.
The government has collaborated with SMS aggregators, telecommunications service providers, and their sub-brands in Singapore to safeguard the gov.sg Sender ID from being spoofed. Limited exceptions will be made for National Service communications and emergency services, which may continue using separate IDs.
Consistent and Reliable Communication
SMS remains a crucial platform for government communications in Singapore due to the widespread use of mobile phones. Annually, government agencies send over 100 million SMSes to notify citizens about policy updates, transaction statuses, and other important information.
Rollout Timeline and Public Advisory
The rollout of the gov.sg 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 verify the authenticity of government messages by checking for the official gov.sg Sender ID.
