5. Content Regulation of Cyberspace PPT (2010)

CONTENT REGULATION OF CYBERSPACE: 

CONTENT REGULATION OF CYBERSPACE

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What are Singapore’s policies as regards to operating an Internet website?

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Internet treated as a Broadcast service Media Development Authority (MDA) Key Principles MDA fully supports the development of the Internet Emphasizes public education, industry self-regulation & minimum regulation MDA is concern with material to the public Emphasis issues of concern to Singapore: racial and religious issues Access to pornography, esp by children & minors Light-touch approach in regulating services on the Internet Open Channels of communication with the public S’pore Policies on Internet Websites

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MDA empowered by the Broadcasting Authority Act: “… to ensure that nothing is included in any broadcasting service which is against public interest or order, national harmony or which offends against good taste or decency. ” 1. Media Development Authority (Class Licence) Notification 1996 2. Internet Code of Practice Regulatory Framework

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ISP have to register with the MDA - Internet Access Service Providers - Internet Service Resellers ICP need not register unless: - On-line newspaper - Content deals with political & religious causes Registration: providing particulars about the website Class License

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“ A licensee shall use his best efforts to ensure that prohibited material is not broadcast via the internet to users in Singapore. ” Obligation of ISPs: Take initiative to guard against offensive content thru Acceptable Use Policies Not required to monitor Internet or user’s Internet activities Exercise judgment over which newspapers to subscribe too Internet Code of Practice

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Obligations of ICPs Exercise judgment according to definition of prohibited material Not required to pre-censor material If not targeting Singapore as principal market, not subject to standards Not responsible for content in hyperlinked or mirror sites Definition of prohibited material “… material which is objectionable on the grounds of public interest, public morality, public order, public security, national harmony or otherwise prohibited by applicable Singapore laws.” Internet Code of Practice

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Similarities: - Apply to Commercial users - Apply to material displayed on the WWW Differences: - What Material? - US: Material harmful to minors - S’pore: All Encompassing S’pore: Religious & Political web pages have to be registered S’pore - US

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Material objectionable on grounds of public interest, public morality, public order, public security, national harmony … Wide definition: racial, ethical & religious material ISP & ICP have large discretion “ A Licensee shall use his best efforts to ensure that prohibited material is not broadcast via the Internet…” Defining Prohibited Material

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Films Act (Chapter 107) - S29, S30 & S31 Postal service Act (Chapter 237A) - S37 Penal Code (Chapter 224) - S292, S294 Undesirable Publications Act (Chapter 338) - S11, S13 S’pore Legislation

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Promotes safe surfing, and educate parents about online safety Helps familiarize parents with the Internet so that they can supervise their children better Empowers parents on online safety by conducting regular Online Safety Workshops Has to date reached out to some 54,000 parents through all its public education initiatives Parental Advisory Group for the Internet

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Appointed by the then Ministry of Information and the Arts in August 1996 Comprises of academics, government officials, industry representatives Advises MDA on the regulation of electronic information services and the development of the industry National Internet Advisory Committee

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Provides feedback and advice on SBA’s policies and regulatory framework Advises on impact of technological developments and related issues Comprises of academics, government officials, industry representatives National Internet Advisory Committee

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December 08 report: Engaging New Media: Challenging Old Assumptions Government’s response on 9 January 09 * PROJECT SUGGESTION * PROPONENT & CRITIC Advisory Council on the Impact of New Media on Society

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Fight measures that threaten basic human rights Challenge legislation that threatens to put a price on what is invaluable; to control what must remain boundless Electronic Frontier Foundation (US)

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Ensure the continuation of the Internet as a forum for open, diverse and unimpeded expression and to maintain the vital role the Internet plays in providing an efficient and democratic means of distributing information around the world Closely examine technical proposals to create filtering architectures and oppose approaches that conceal the filtering criteria employed, or irreparably damage the unique character of the Internet Internet Free Speech Alliance (US)

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What could be some of the reasons for regulating Internet content?

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Why Regulate? Child pornography, breaches of copyright, financial fraud, etc… Easy access to such information Saudi and China  control citizens’ access Internet  encourage commercial, social innovation and self-expression

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Importance of internet Medium for conducting business Facilitate international trade Encourage research and development Provides opportunities Global Business

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Advantages Privacy Prohibit use of internet for criminal activity Remove information prejudicial to global security Disadvantages Restricts free flow of information Impedes growth of businesses Impact of Regulation