Introduction
The military, intelligence and security ties between Singapore and Israel are very close, to the extent that over five decades Singapore has become a very important market for Israel’s military industries not only in Southeast Asia but on a global level, and a partner in joint research and development ventures of advanced weapon systems.
Israel-Singapore Relations
The ties between the two countries started around the first years after the establishment of Singapore, before diplomatic relations between the countries were formally established in 1968.[1]Embassy of Israel in Singapore, Bilateral relations, 02.05.2024 However, Singapore kept the relationship on a low profile for the next thirty years due to its relationship with its Muslim neighbors Malaysia and Indonesia. In 1986 Singapore’s Foreign Minister Suppiah Dhanabalan visited Israel and later in the same year Israeli president Herzog visited Singapore.[2]Israel’s quest for recognition and acceptance in Asia : Garrison State diplomacy
The Singapore-Israel Chamber of Commerce started operating in 1990.[3]Update: Deleted image shows Singapore Air Force Heron 1 UAV with new belly payload pod In 2005, the two countries signed a pact to ease the flow of goods and investments between the two countries during a visit to Israel by Singaporean Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.[4]The Straits Times website, Israel sign pact to ease flow of goods investments, 20.05.2005 In 2013, Singapore-Israel trade totaled almost 2 billion Singaporean Dollars.[5]Singapore-Israel Trade hits almost S$2 billion in 2013 and remained in similar levels in 2024 when Israel exports to Singapore were worth around S$950 million, and 2023 imports from Singapore to Israel totaled S$810 million, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.[6]UN Comtrade Database
Israel and Singapore have signed agreements on R&D and on avoidance of double taxation.[7]Trade Economic Agreements Table_Singapore The main institutional arm for bilateral collaboration is the Singapore-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (SIIRD). Between 1997 to 2019, the SIIRD has provided $230 million in funding for over 170 joint R&D projects.[8]Israel Innovation Industry, Israel – Singapore Industrial R&D Foundation[9]Ctech, “The most strategic country in the world”: Singapore is doubling down on Israeli tech, 29.12.2024
Other avenues for cooperation include the partnership between the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Israeli venture firm OurCrowd under its Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) program to promote joint innovation and R&D. These initiatives have yielded tangible results, with several Israeli tech companies, including Check Point, SolarEdge, and Similarweb, expanding their offices to Singapore, and an increasing number of Israeli entrepreneurs choosing to establish their businesses there, such as Feldheim’s Trax. Entrepreneurs who have set up operations in Singapore often point to the relative ease of opening a company and the substantial state support available, particularly in sectors such as cyber and fintech.[10]Ctech, “The most strategic country in the world”: Singapore is doubling down on Israeli tech, 29.12.2024
Alongside this trend, there has also been a steady growth of Singapore-based investment flowing directly into the Israeli tech ecosystem. Innov8, the venture capital fund of the Singaporean communications group Singtel, opened their Tel Aviv office in 2012 and has since invested in 16 Israeli companies, mainly in enterprise security and AI companies. Their Israeli portfolio includes ClearX, Ctera Networks, Cato Networks, Silverfort and Sensorz, and exits including Fireglass, Flow Security, and Moment.Me.[11]Ctech, “The most strategic country in the world”: Singapore is doubling down on Israeli tech, 29.12.2024
Bilateral cooperation spans many sectors including technology, research and development, health care and education. As of 2020, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya and Tel Aviv University all maintain close ties with Singaporean institutions including the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University.[12]‘A Life-and-death Matter’: How Israel Helped Singapore When It Needed It Most
In 2022, during a visit to Israel by Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development and deployment of AI.[13]Channel News Asia, Singapore Israel sign MOU to accelerate cross-border collaboration in artificial intelligence, 21.03.2022 During the same visit Singapore announced it will upgrade its presence in Israel from consulate to embassy.[14]The Jerusalem Post, Singapore to open embassy in Israel after 57 years of ties, 22.03.2022
In March 2024 Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan visited Israel and met the Israeli President, Prime Minister, senior ministers, and members of the Knesset from various political parties.[15]Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Working Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to the State of Israel 19 to 20 March 2024, 20.03.2024
Military Relations
Singapore is one of the main customers of Israel’s military industry. The arms trade contracts between Israel and Singapore include the sale of tanks, air-to-ground Barak missiles, Spike missiles, Python missiles, drone systems, surveillance satellite, air defense systems, Cyber tools including spyware, and more.
Singapore’s relationship with the Israeli military dates back to 1965, when six Israeli officers were sent to help establish the Singapore Army, including by conducting its first officers’ course and consulting on its military structure.[16]Haaretz, Israeli officers reveal: this is how we established the Singaporean army, the strongest in Southeast Asia, 15.07.2005
In the early days of Singapore’s independence, Israeli Air Force officers and local industry helped build the country’s Air Command and Control Center and integrate Israeli air-to-air missiles on fighters procured from the US and other suppliers. Similar technical and conceptual experience was provided to Singapore’s Navy and Ground Forces; and the two countries enjoyed routine training across a spectrum of combat disciplines.[17]Defense News, Israel Singapore Pledge Expanded Cyber Cooperation, 19.04.2016 Since Israeli military advisers gradually left the city-state in the mid-1970s, close relationships have developed in the field of defense industry and technology in general. Israel and Singapore have signed dozens of deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars since then. The Singaporean army, today considered one of the most powerful in Southeast Asia, has since the late 1960s used the same type of weapons as Israel’s military and can mobilize hundreds of thousands of reservists within a few hours.[18]i24 News, Singapore – a military power in South Asia built on the Israeli model, 21.04.2016
Since the year 2000, cooperation between intelligence services of the two states has increased too. Israel has a significant presence in Singapore with experts, delegations and military installations.[19]Defending the Lion City The Armed Forces of Singapore In October 2021, Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz conducted a secret five-day trip to Singapore, which included security-related meetings.[20]The Times of Israel, Defense Minister Gantz held covert security meetings in Singapore, 30.10.2021
Between 2014-2019, the two countries have only reported $61 million worth of arms sales between them, although the figure is likely much higher.[21]SIPRI- Arms Transfers Databases Just this year, the Singapore military accidentally made public (and quickly removed) an image of its Heron 1 drones, as well as Hermes 450 and Spider drones. Defense News reported that the Singaporean air force is flying two squadrons of Israeli- made drones. One is composed of the Hermes model manufactured by Elbit, and one of the Heron made by IAI.[22]Israel and Singapore: The ties that bind In addition, in 2022 Singapore purchased Orbiter 4 tactical UAV from the Israeli firm Aeronautics, and In 2024 made another deal with the same company to acquire Spark advanced tactical drones.[23]Flight Global, Singapore obtains Orbiter 4 tactical UAV, 03.03.2022[24]Haaretz, At Singapore Airshow the Gaza War Was a Selling Point for Israeli Arms Makers, 05.04.2024
Singapore attracts hundreds of former Israeli military and intelligence officers and hosts major security corporations such as Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems, in addition to the Israeli Embassy with its military attachés. It was also reported that the two countries’ military industries cooperate in joint ventures in third countries.[25]Israel and Singapore: The ties that bind Another pattern revealed by some foreign reports is that Singapore invests money in the research and development of Israeli weapons systems and in return gets to manufacture them in its own industries.
For years, Israel has been a prominent participant in the Singapore Airshow, Asia’s largest aerospace and defense event, with many Israeli companies showcasing their products.[26]Israel Defense, Massive Israeli Presence at Singapore Airshow 2018, 05.02.2018[27]Reuters, Israeli defence firms make air show return tight-lipped on Gaza war, 23.02.2024[28]The Jerusalem Post, Israel defense companies showcase products at Singapore Airshow, 15.02.2022
Recent Acquisitions:
March 2022: Singapore purchased Orbiter 4 tactical UAVs from the Israeli firm Aeronautics.[29]Flight Global, Singapore obtains Orbiter 4 tactical UAV, 03.03.2022
May 2022: The Singaporean army tested Smash 2000 smart rifle sight system made by the Israeli company Smart Shooter.[30]Shephard Media, Singapore tests Smash rifle fire control system, 26.05.2022 In the same month, the Smash system was exhibited in the Singaporean Army Open House 2022, where visitors could try out the Smash sights system.[31]Dreamstime[32]Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), Showcasing Army Tech, 06.06.2022
July 2023: Israel Aerospace Industries launched a DS-SAR satellite built for Singapore’s military and commercial use. The satellite was ordered by Singapore in 2018 for $200 million.[33]Shephard Media, Israel Aerospace Industries successfully launches Singapore’s DS-SAR radar satellite, 31.07.2023[34]Israel Defense, Singapore Readying to Launch Israeli-Manufactured UAV, 09.07.2023[35]Haaretz, At Singapore Airshow the Gaza War Was a Selling Point for Israeli Arms Makers, 05.04.2024
September 2023: The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has publicly revealed upgrades to its F-16 fighter jets that are now armed with Rafael’s Python-5 air-to-air missiles. The upgraded aircraft are also equipped with Elta/IAI ELL-8212 Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) pods and pilots’ helmets produced by Elbit Systems.[36]Israel Defense, Singapore: Upgraded F-16 Includes Israeli Industries Components, 10.09.2023[37]Channel News Asia, Singapore’s upgraded F-16 fighter jets now armed with Python-5 missiles, 08.09.2023
December 2023: Singapore contracted the Singaporean company ST Engineering to purchase and install the Blue Spear anti-ship missiles that are developed and produced in cooperation between the Israel Aerospace Industry and the Singaporean company.[38]Israel Defense, Israeli Blue Spear Missiles Installed on Singaporean Navy frigates, 27.12.2023
January 2025: Singapore started deployment of its Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessels (MARSEC USVs), equipped with Rafael’s Toplite electro-optical systems.[39]Army Recognition, Singapore Navy Relies on MARSEC USVs to Ensure Surveillance of Strait, 06.02.2025
Joint Ventures
Defense cooperation between Israel and Singapore extends beyond arms sales and training, encompassing a range of joint ventures and co-development projects. These collaborations often involve leading defense companies, government agencies, and private-sector innovators. Details on additional joint ventures in the cyber field will appear in the next chapter Cyber Relations.
One such initiative is CSF Ventures Pte Ltd, a joint venture between Israel’s Avnon Group and Singapore’s JCS Group, which focuses on building and investing in early-stage security technology startups in fields such as cybersecurity, homeland security, and IoT security.[40]CSF Ventures One of the companies in CSF’s portfolio is the Israeli company Skyock which develops anti-drone systems.[41]CSF Ventures, Portfolio
In July 1999 ST Engineering had announced a partnership with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to set up Smart Systems. The joint venture company is the prime contractor for the local manufacture, supply, and maintenance of the Spike anti-armour missile for the Singapore Armed Forces [42]Asian Military Review, Israel-Singapore missile JV secures Estonia as launch customer for Blue Spear, 07.10.2021 while also marketing it abroad on behalf of Rafael.[43]Asian Military Review, Royal Thai Army acquires Spike MR anti-tank missiles, 06.01.2021
In 2020, Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) established a Singapore-based joint venture called Proteus Advanced Systems Pte Ltd to develop and market advanced naval missile systems, including a new anti-ship cruise missile called Blue Spear. In 2021, Estonia became one of its first customers.[44]IAI, ST Engineering and IAI Set Up JV to Market Advanced Naval Missile Systems, 16.07.2020[45]Defense News, Singapore, Israeli firms team to develop new ship-killing missile, 28.07.2020[46]Asian Military Review, Israel-Singapore missile JV secures Estonia as launch customer for Blue Spear, 07.10.2021
Co-development efforts also extend to infantry weaponry. The MATADOR, an unguided, short-range anti-armour weapon, was jointly developed by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in partnership with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and its German subsidiary Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND).[47]Factsheet – MATADOR: Unguided Short Range Anti-Armour Weapon (SRAAW)[48]Investigate – AFSC, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, 01.05.2024
In the field of unmanned ground systems, Singapore’s ST Kinetics has produced a weaponized Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) based on the design of the Israeli-made Probot UGV by Roboteam.[49]Army Recognition, ST Kinetics unveils new weaponised Probot UGV Unmanned Ground Vehicle, 14.02.2018
In 2023, the Israeli drones company Xtend announced the acquisition of Performance Rotors, a Singapore-based drone inspection company.[50]Israel Defense, XTEND purchases Singaporean drone inspection company, 21.05.2023
In February 2024, the Israeli company ImageSat International (ISI) announced a strategic collaboration with the Singaporean companies ST Engineering Geo-Insights and ST Engineering Satellite Systems in developing and producing a high-resolution satellite system named KNIGHT.[51]ImageSat international, ImageSat International (ISI) has announced partnership with ST Engineering Satellite Systems and ST Engineering Geo-Insights, 15.02.2024[52]Haaretz, At Singapore Airshow the Gaza War Was a Selling Point for Israeli Arms Makers, 05.04.2024
Cyber Relations
In September 2011 the Singapore Government announced the establishment of the National Cyber Security Centre to boost its capabilities to counter cyber security threats. Israeli IT and cyber security companies that are present in Singapore include: Check Point Security, GTB Technologies, NICE Systems, Elbit Systems.[53]Israel and Singapore Synergies in Cyber Security Defense In 2015, Israel Aerospace Industries announced it is opening a new Cyber Early Warning R&D Center in Singapore.[54]Israel Defense, IAI: Cyber R&D Center in Singapore, 22.02.2015[55]Defense News, Israel Singapore Pledge Expanded Cyber Cooperation, 19.04.2016
In 2016 during the meeting of Israel and Singapore’s prime ministers they pledged to expand cyber defense cooperation and high-tech trade ties.[56]Israel, Singapore Pledge Expanded Cyber Cooperation
According to a report by Forbes clients in Singapore spent 5 to 7.5 million USD on spyware by the Israeli company Ability. While the identity of the government agency behind the purchase was not revealed, Ability reportedly only sold its technology to law enforcement and intelligence agencies.[57]Singapore Samizdat, A Timeline of Singapore and Spyware, 08.02.2022 Ability went out of business following a U.S. lawsuit for investor fraud and a subsequent prosecution by Israeli authorities for unauthorized export of its products.[58]Investigae by AFSC, Ability Inc
In 2017 the Israeli company Cyberbit opened an office in Singapore. “The new office will enable Cyberbit to directly support its fast-growing customer base in Singapore, and will accelerate Cyberbit’s expansion in the area, focusing on government and financial sectors. The Singapore office is Cyberbit’s third global office” Cyberbit announced on their website.[59]Singapore investment giant buys Israeli cybersecurity startup for $250 million
Also in 2017, the Israeli Ben-Gurion University and the Singaporean Nanyang Technological University (NTU) signed an extensive cooperation agreement to carry out joint research projects funded by the two organizations which will focus on cyber issues. NTU also recently signed a cooperation agreement with the Israeli defense company Rafael.[60]Ben Gurion University, First of its kind Cyber Cooperation Agreement signed between BGU and NTU, 05.02.2017
In 2019 Israel and Israel conducted a roundtable in the yearly cyberweek conference in Israel. The event that was organized in cooperation with the Israel National Cyber Directorate included cybersecurity leaders from both countries that discussed topics such as academic, commercial, industrial, and federal approaches to cybersecurity.[61]Singapore-Israel Roundtable 2019
Between June 2018 and October 2019, three Global Expert Missions of KTN took place in Singapore, the USA and Israel to better understand their research and innovation landscapes and to establish potential opportunities for collaboration in the cyber security sector.[62]Strengthening Cybersecurity Collaborations: Outcomes from missions to Singapore, Israel & USA
In 2018 and 2020 research and media platforms published that the spywares Pegasus and Fleming by the Israeli company NSO Group were being operated in Singapore.[63]Israeli Spyware Firm Wants to Track Data to Stop Coronavirus Spreading[64]HIDE AND SEEK: Tracking NSO Group’s Pegasus Spyware to Operations in 45 Countries
In 2018, the Israeli company Anyvision, which develops AI-facial recognition technologies opened an office in Singapore.[65]Oosto/Anyvision, AnyVision Secures $28M Series A to Lead the Global AI Industry, 19.07.2018
In 2020, Singapore ramped up its research and innovation efforts to strengthen its cyber security capabilities with an upcoming collaboration between the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and Israel’s Tel Aviv University.[66]Singapore cyber security capabilities to be enhanced
Israel Aerospace Industries‘ Singaporean subsidiary Custodio Technologies announced in 2020, that they will collaborate with Singapore’s Defense Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to develop technology to detect cybercrimes. The project will leverage Custodio Technologies locally developed, next generation cybersecurity analysis platform – CyVestiGO, that is also an integral part of Custodio’s parent company IAI‘s global offering of national level cybersecurity centers and is being deployed in IAI’s projects around the world.[67]Israeli ELTA to partner with Singapore DSTA in cybercrimes detection
According to several research and media platforms the spywares Pegasus and Fleming by the Israeli company NSO Group were being operated in Singapore.[68]Bloomberg, Israeli Spyware Firm Wants to Track Data to Stop Coronavirus Spreading, 17.03.2020[69]The Citizen Lab, HIDE AND SEEK: Tracking NSO Group’s Pegasus Spyware to Operations in 45 Countries, 18.09.2018[70]Intelligence Online, Paragon carves new place for Israeli cyber in Singapore, 09.03.2025 Another Israeli spyware company that operated in Singapore is Candiru, which has supplied vulnerabilities to the Security and Intelligence Division (SID) since 2019. After NSO group and Candiru were blacklisted by the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security their activities in Singapore were gradually replaced.[71]Intelligence Online, Paragon carves new place for Israeli cyber in Singapore, 09.03.2025
In 2022 A Reuters investigation found that Singapore was one of the first clients of QuaDream, another Israeli firm that develops hacking tools intended for government clients.[72]Reuters, EXCLUSIVE iPhone flaw exploited by second Israeli spy firm-sources, 04.02.2022 This claim was later reinforced by The Citizen Lab investigation that detected QuaDream systems operated from Singapore.[73]The Citizen Lab, Sweet QuaDreams A First Look at Spyware Vendor QuaDream’s Exploits, Victims and Customers, 11.04.2023
In March 2023 Intelligence Online published that Paragon Solutions won a contract worth tens of millions of dollars from Singapore.[74]Intelligence Online, Paragon carves new place for Israeli cyber in Singapore, 09.03.2025[75]Israel Defense, Report: Israeli Paragon Receives Major Contract in Singapore, 09.03.2023 An analysis by the Citizen Lab, published in March 2025, identified suspected Paragon deployments in Singapore.[76]The Citizen Lab, Virtue or Vice? A First Look at Paragon’s Proliferating Spyware Operations, 19.03.2025
The Israeli company Cellebrite possesses Offices in Singapore.[77]Cellebrite official website – offices The Singapore Police is using different services of Cellebrite, among them UFED and the Cellebrite Responder Kiosk.[78]Singapore Police and HTX: Transforming Modern Criminal Investigations with Digital Intelligence Cellebrite and Singapore’s Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) established a partnership in 2021.[79]Cellebrite and HTX Establish Strategic Partnership to Drive Rapid Innovation and Deliver Industry Leading Digital Intelligence Capabilities to Protect and Save Lives In January 2023 Cellebrite announced a five-year agreement with a national police agency in Singapore for advanced extraction solutions for $14 million.[80]Leading Singapore law enforcement agency awards Cellebrite with $14M agreement for advanced extraction solution
Usage of Israeli Arms
SPIKE – In usage by Singaporean Military
Matador – In usage by Singaporean Military
Soltam M-65 – In usage by Singaporean Military
Elta Systems ELM-2311 SAFARI – In use by Singaporean Military
Elta Systems EL/M-2084 – In use by Singaporean Air Force
Phyton 4 air-to-air missiles – In use by Singaporean Air Force (600 missiles obtained)[81]SIPRI- Arms Transfers Databases
Python-5 air-to-air missiles – [82]Channel News Asia, Singapore’s upgraded F-16 fighter jets now armed with Python-5 missiles, 08.09.2023
Derby – In use by Singaporean Air Force.
Drone Dome, anti-drone system by Rafael, was deployed in Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).[83]Aviation Week, Singapore Deploys Military-Grade Anti-Drone System At Changi, 21.10.2020
Spyder SAM system – 12 launchers in use by Singaporean Air Force.[84]SIPRI- Arms Transfers Databases
According to Singaporean officials, the Spyder system was originally purchased in 2016 and has been in active use since 2018.[85]Haaretz, At Singapore Airshow the Gaza War Was a Selling Point for Israeli Arms Makers, 05.04.2024
Hermes 450 UAV – In use by Singaporean Air Force since 2007.[86]RSAF tracking drone technology with an eye to renewing its capabilities: Chief of Air Force
Heron 1 UAV – in use by Singaporean Air Force since 2012.[87]RSAF tracking drone technology with an eye to renewing its capabilities: Chief of Air Force
UFED – used by Singapore Police.[88]Singapore Police and HTX: Transforming Modern Criminal Investigations with Digital Intelligence [89]Leading Singapore law enforcement agency awards Cellebrite with $14M agreement for advanced extraction solution
Human Rights Violations
Singaporean citizens face severe restrictions on their basic rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly through overly broad criminal laws and regulations. Singapore’s restrictions on speech tightened in 2019 with the passage of the overly broad Protection Against Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act – it permits a single government minister to order the “correction” or removal of online content. Authorities continued to use existing laws to penalize peaceful expression and protest, with activists, lawyers, and online media facing prosecution, civil defamation suits, and threats of contempt of court charges.[90]World Report 2020: Singapore | Human Rights Watch
The rights of the LGBT community are severely curtailed. Sexual relations between men remains a criminal offense, and there are no legal protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.[91]Singapore | Country Page | World | Human Rights Watch
Migrants’ rights groups expressed concerns about the treatment and working conditions of migrant workers, including foreign domestic workers.[92]Everything you need to know about human rights in Singapore- 2021
As to 2020, Singapore retains the death penalty, which is mandated for many drug offenses and certain other crimes. The number of those executed in 2019 is uncertain.[93]World Report 2020: Singapore | Human Rights Watch
When the Singapore constitution was written, it did not include a right to privacy and the subsequent data protection act does not protect citizens from government-sanctioned surveillance. The government does not need prior judicial authorization to conduct any surveillance interception, and documents that restrict what officials can do with personal data are classified. In a U.S State Department report in 2015, it is believed that law enforcement and government agencies have extensive networks for gathering information and conducting surveillance. A majority of Singaporeans are widely aware that authorities track telephone conversations and the use of the internet of civilians, and indirect routine checks are usually done on some government critics.[94]The Right to Privacy in Singapore | Privacy International
Singapore is reportedly experimenting with facial recognition technologies at immigration checkpoints and among others in housing projects and student hostels.[95]Commentary: How to make Singapore smile for the facial recognition camera In 2020 media platforms reported that in the near future Singapore’s citizens will access government services through a new facial verification feature in its national identity program, called “Dubbed SingPass Face Verification”. The development is part of the government’s $1.75 billion “Smart Nation” initiative, launched in 2014. The new face verification system could also be used in private-sector organizations and education.[96] In Singapore, facial recognition is getting woven into everyday life
In 2020 Singapore operated a mass surveillance technology called “trace together” that was used to track down carriers of Covid-19 virus.[97]Use of surveillance to fight coronavirus raises concerns about government power after pandemic ends After problems with the app, Singapore announced its planning a comprehensive contact tracing system in which it will distribute to all its 5.7 million residents a wearable device that will identify people who have interacted with people carrying Covid-19. Critics are concerned that it will be difficult to tell what the device is doing or what information it sends to back-end servers.[98]Singapore considers wearable trackers after app failures