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Singapore: Internet Filtering
Internet Filtering in Singapore: A Study by OpenNet Initiative
Singapore's Internet Filtering is found to be minimal
A study by OpenNet Initiative on Singapore's Internet Filtering during the period of 2004-2005 has found that the level of internet filtering in Singapore is minimal - with only 8 known sites blocked during the course of their testing. (The government however, has mentioned in a separate news article that there are about 100 websites that are banned in Singapore.)
Of these sites, six were found to be pornographic in nature with the remaining two containing religiously sensitive material. However, the number and types of websites that are blocked are not consistent among the various ISPs available in Singapore. As a requirement, ISPs in Singapore are to be individually responsible for the level of filtering implemented for their customers - thus leading to a slight variation in the sites blocked.
Based on the tests conducted, OpenNet Initiative also concludes that Singapore focuses most of its internet filtering efforts only towards a few types of content. Most of its efforts are directed towards the filtering of pornography. Other categories of sites include that of fanatical religion and illegal drugs.
A list of 711 sites related to separatist, military, paramilitary, intelligence and political organizations (SPMIPO) material was also tested, of which none were found to be blocked in Singapore. [Source - ONI Country Study, Singapore 2004-2005]
Offline Internet Filtering Strategies found to be more effective than Online Filtering
In addition to the testing conducted by OpenNet Initiative as described above, background research conducted by the company has revealed that although the online filtering measures imposed by Siungapore's government are found to be minimal, vigourous regulations are in place pertaining to the online posting and access of various material - albeit imposed offline. Such restricted material revolve around that related to political groups such as the People's Action Party, and material that may potentially lead to ethnic and religious conflict. Although the measures in place by Singapore are found to be mostly low-tech, they are nonetheless, effective. [Source - ONI Country Study, Singapore 2004-2005]
More Information on Internet Filtering in Singapore
Films Act amended in March 2009
The Films Act passed in 1998 imposes an outright ban on political films and videos altogether. As of 23rd March 2009, this ban has been partially lifted in a landmark decision to modify the original Films Act - stating that certain types of political films may be now produced and publicly screened, such as political party manifestos and political documentaries containing facts.
Political films that are submitted to the Board of Censors will no longer be rejected immediately.
Examples of political films that are permitted include:
1) Political clips made by a licensed broadcaster for the purpose of news reporting.
2) Live recordings of political events such as speeches which do not disobey the law.
3) Factual documentaries of political events/figures, biographies and autobiographies of political figures.
4) Videos that commemorate political events/figures or anniversaries.
5) Manifestos of political figures.
6) Videos that portray the ideologies, or policy declarations by election candidates.
Political films that sensationalize and distort continue to remain banned. The bottom line is still to paint a factual picture of Singapore's political environment, and the people involved.
The government has acknowledged that a complete ban on political films and videos will no longer be feasible since videos are now rampant and readily available on the internet, especially with the popularity of video-sharing websites such as Youtube. Additionally, they recognize that the internet-savvy youths want more freedom and space for political discussions and debates and thus, the usage of new media such as videos may add more value to such discussions. [Source - ChannelNewsAsia] [Source - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release]
The censors for political films will be advised by a group of six to eight independent, neutral citizens that are not government figures. These members will be selected from various fields from the private sector such as law, academics, print media, film and labour and will hence, form the Political Films Consultative Committee (PFCC). One of their main roles is to aid in the evaluation the content of future films submitted to the Board of Censors which are deemed to be political in nature. [Source - The Straits Times via Singapore Law Watch]
Singapore's Internet Filtering is found to be minimal
A study by OpenNet Initiative on Singapore's Internet Filtering during the period of 2004-2005 has found that the level of internet filtering in Singapore is minimal - with only 8 known sites blocked during the course of their testing. (The government however, has mentioned in a separate news article that there are about 100 websites that are banned in Singapore.)
Of these sites, six were found to be pornographic in nature with the remaining two containing religiously sensitive material. However, the number and types of websites that are blocked are not consistent among the various ISPs available in Singapore. As a requirement, ISPs in Singapore are to be individually responsible for the level of filtering implemented for their customers - thus leading to a slight variation in the sites blocked.
Based on the tests conducted, OpenNet Initiative also concludes that Singapore focuses most of its internet filtering efforts only towards a few types of content. Most of its efforts are directed towards the filtering of pornography. Other categories of sites include that of fanatical religion and illegal drugs.
A list of 711 sites related to separatist, military, paramilitary, intelligence and political organizations (SPMIPO) material was also tested, of which none were found to be blocked in Singapore. [Source - ONI Country Study, Singapore 2004-2005]
Offline Internet Filtering Strategies found to be more effective than Online Filtering
In addition to the testing conducted by OpenNet Initiative as described above, background research conducted by the company has revealed that although the online filtering measures imposed by Siungapore's government are found to be minimal, vigourous regulations are in place pertaining to the online posting and access of various material - albeit imposed offline. Such restricted material revolve around that related to political groups such as the People's Action Party, and material that may potentially lead to ethnic and religious conflict. Although the measures in place by Singapore are found to be mostly low-tech, they are nonetheless, effective. [Source - ONI Country Study, Singapore 2004-2005]
To download a PDF version of the study, complete with test methods and raw results, click here.
More Information on Internet Filtering in Singapore
Films Act amended in March 2009
The Films Act passed in 1998 imposes an outright ban on political films and videos altogether. As of 23rd March 2009, this ban has been partially lifted in a landmark decision to modify the original Films Act - stating that certain types of political films may be now produced and publicly screened, such as political party manifestos and political documentaries containing facts.
Political films that are submitted to the Board of Censors will no longer be rejected immediately.
Examples of political films that are permitted include:
1) Political clips made by a licensed broadcaster for the purpose of news reporting.
2) Live recordings of political events such as speeches which do not disobey the law.
3) Factual documentaries of political events/figures, biographies and autobiographies of political figures.
4) Videos that commemorate political events/figures or anniversaries.
5) Manifestos of political figures.
6) Videos that portray the ideologies, or policy declarations by election candidates.
Political films that sensationalize and distort continue to remain banned. The bottom line is still to paint a factual picture of Singapore's political environment, and the people involved.
The government has acknowledged that a complete ban on political films and videos will no longer be feasible since videos are now rampant and readily available on the internet, especially with the popularity of video-sharing websites such as Youtube. Additionally, they recognize that the internet-savvy youths want more freedom and space for political discussions and debates and thus, the usage of new media such as videos may add more value to such discussions. [Source - ChannelNewsAsia] [Source - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release]
The censors for political films will be advised by a group of six to eight independent, neutral citizens that are not government figures. These members will be selected from various fields from the private sector such as law, academics, print media, film and labour and will hence, form the Political Films Consultative Committee (PFCC). One of their main roles is to aid in the evaluation the content of future films submitted to the Board of Censors which are deemed to be political in nature. [Source - The Straits Times via Singapore Law Watch]
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Latest page update: made by brendalogy
, Apr 8 2009, 3:56 AM EDT
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