Internet Regulatory Framework

A Three-Pronged Approach to Regulation

Recognising that there is a limit to what domestic legislation can achieve in the face of a global and borderless medium like the Internet, MDA adopts a three-pronged approach to encourage a balanced and judicious approach to regulation. This strategy involves government and industry initiatives as well as public Involvement. The approach emphasises the following:

Instituting a Light-touch Regulatory Framework

The MDA's regulatory framework for the Internet is embodied in the Broadcasting (Class Licence) Notification 2001. Under the Class Licence Scheme, Internet Content Providers and Internet Service Providers are deemed automatically licensed and have to observe and comply with the Class Licence Conditions and the Internet Code of Practice, which outlines what the community regards as offensive or harmful to Singapore's racial and religious harmony.

For more information on the MDA's light-touch regulatory framework, please refer to the Internet Industry Guidelines.

Encouraging Industry Self-regulation

The industry is encouraged to self-regulate and set their own standards.

In line with this approach, MDA encourages content providers in Singapore to label their sites and to develop Industry Codes of Practice, which can be used to promote greater industry self-regulation and complement existing Internet content regulations. Such proactive efforts on the part of the industry ensures a high level of credibility and quality for Internet services, and helps to establish confidence in and encourage wider use of the Internet.

Promoting Online Safety Awareness through Public Education

MDA recognises the need to educate the public on the positive as well as the hazardous aspects of riding on the information superhighway. MDA has launched a MediAction programme which seeks to promote media literacy and discerning use of the media. A key component of this programme is the promotion of cyber wellness.

Cyber wellness refers to the positive well-being of Internet users and a healthy cyber culture for the Internet community. It involves an understanding of the risks of harmful online behavior, an awareness of how to protect oneself and others from such behavior, and recognition of the power of the Internet to affect oneself and the community at large.

The four core values underpinning the cyber wellness vision are:

·         Balanced Lifestyle

·         Embracing the Net and Inspiring Others

·         Astuteness

·         Respect & Responsibility.