Article: http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2013/06/regulating-singapores-internet
The Media Development Authority (MDA) approves publications; issues arts entertainment licenses and enforces the Free-to-air (FTA) TV Programme Code, Subscription TV Programme Code, TV Advertising Code, Radio Programme Code and Radio Advertising Code through financial penalties. The MDA’s decisions may be appealed to the Broadcast, Publications and Arts Appeal Committee (BPAA) and the Films Appeal Committee (FAC).
The Censorship Review Committee (CRC) meets every ten years to “review and update censorship objectives and principles to meet the long-term interests of our society“. The CRC was most recently reconvened in 2009 and made some 80 recommendations the following year, most of which were accepted.
The Government of Singapore argues that censorship of political, racial and religious issues to a certain extent is necessary to avoid upsetting the delicate balance of Singapore’s multi-racial society which I agree to it. Although Singapore is said to be a democratic country where there is freedom of speech and no censorship to its media, there is still a need of government control over what is posted or circulated online. This to prevent any untrue, sensitive materials to be spread to the masses and causing unnecessary public disorder. Thus I believe there is a need for a little control by the government regarding our media.
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