[HAPPENING NOW] Singapore Is Also Having A Blackout
Singapore news sites and bloggers have started a 'Free My Internet' movement against the rolling out of the new requirement where all news sites need to be licensed. Denounced as internet censorship measures, will this be the end of free speech on the internet for Singapore?
By meifong — 06 Jun 2013, 11:17 AM — Updated about 11 years ago
32 Singaporean bloggers stage 24-hour "Internet Blackout"
In protest to the new MDA licensing regime, prominent bloggers set their blogs offline at the stroke of midnight last night. The 24-hour "internet blackout" is spearheaded by a group of 32 bloggers and socio-political websites, known as "Free My Internet".
They said the new rules, which require local news websites with substantial reach to come up with a S$50,000 bond and comply with a take-down notice within 24 hours, will limit public discourse.
As of midnight, the group listed about 100 websites and blogs which it said have joined in the movement. It has also started a petition calling for the withdrawal of the licensing regime. As of 6 June 2013, the petition has garnered 3055 signatures.
#FreeMyInternet: Netizens protest against new licensing requirement for websites
The new rule had sparked an angry reaction from netizens who see the move as a bid by the Government to clamp down on expression online. They said: "We encourage all Singaporeans who are concerned about our future and our ability to participate in everyday online activities and discussions, and to seek out alternative news and analysis, to take a strong stand against the licensing regime which can impede on your independence."
The group of bloggers include the editors of sites such as The Online Citizen, TR Emeritus and Public House. They are planning to rally at Speakers' Corner on 8 June 2013, and shutting down their blogs and websites for 24 hours this Thursday (6 May 2013).
Media Development Authority introduces new regulation for websites to secure a license and pay $50,000
Starting 1 June 2013, online news sites which report regularly on Singapore and have significant reach will be required to have an individual licence.
The policy will require websites that report regularly on Singapore news & have at least 50,000 visitors a month to obtain annual licenses, the Media Development Authority said. They also will be required to remove content found to be in breach of MDA standards within 24 hours of notification.
go.comMDA said the move would place such sites on a "more consistent regulatory framework" with traditional news platforms like newspapers and television stations, which are individually licensed.
Singapore government says licensing framework is not censorship
MDA said that the regulation is not an attempt to influence the editorial slant of news sites. It also added that it would only step in when complaints are raised to their attention, and the content is assessed to be in breach of guidelines and merits action.
"The licensing framework applies only to sites that focus on reporting Singapore news and are notified by MDA that they meet the licensing criteria. An individual publishing views on current affairs and trends on his/her personal website or blog does not amount to news reporting," MDA said.
The government reiterated that websites can continue as per normal and that the new rule will not stifle freedom of speech on the internet.
“Nowhere do the guidelines state that news sites cannot question or highlight the shortcomings of government policies, as long as the assessments are well-intentioned, and not based on factual inaccuracies with the intention to mislead the public,” Dr Yaacob said.
Read also: Malaysia's 114A Internet Blackout Day On August 4th 2012
READ NOW: Malaysian civil society’s effort in campaigning against the newly introduced Section 114A to the Evidence Act 1950 — Internet Blackout Day.
says2.com
