What the Committee Does
The Censorship Review Committee (CRC) is formed to review and update censorship objectives and principles to meet the long-term interests of our society. The last review was completed in July 2003.
The recommendations are submitted to MICA and MDA who are responsible for the implementation of the recommendations. These are subsequently reviewed regularly to ensure that they keep up with technological, social and industry developments.
Who They Are
Censorship Review Committee 1992
The first Censorship Review Committee was appointed in May 1991, under the chairmanship of Professor Tommy Koh, to review and recommend changes to the censorship policy and practices then. To assist in its review, the committee considered written submissions from individuals and organisations and held discussions with relevant organisations, such as the Cinematograph Film Exhibitors Association and the Singapore Booksellers Association.
The CRC 1992 also commissioned a survey to ascertain public reaction to some censorship issues and gauge whether there had been a shift in moral values since the last censorship review in 1981. The survey showed that Singaporeans held a strong regard for the traditional family unit and resisted other lifestyles which were perceived to be at odds with this belief. The survey also showed that Singaporeans were deeply influenced by their religious beliefs and moral principles.
Censorship Review Committee 2002/2003
The Censorship Review Committee of 1992 set broad principles and guidelines. Over the years, these principles were constantly fine-tuned in consultation with the MDA’s advisory panels and community groups to reflect general values and the spirit of current society.
To keep in tune with the changes in our society, driven largely by the forces of technology and globalization, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) appointed a CRC in 2002 to review and recommend changes to the guidelines and policies for the different media in view of social and technological developments. The CRC 2002/3, comprising 22 members, was chaired by Mr Liu Thai Ker, Director, RSP Architects, Planners and Engineers Pte Ltd and Chairman, Singapore Tyler Print Institute.
The CRC 2002/3 held extensive discussions with members of the public and the media industry to obtain views from different segments of society. It also commissioned a representative survey, conducted by AC Nielsen to assess public acceptance of crucial issues before finalizing its recommendations.
The recommendations of the CRC have been implemented by MDA, and these included the refinement of the film classification system and the introduction of the M18 rating for films; the introduction of NC16- and M18-rated programmes for cable TV; the classification of videos and video games; and the de-gazetting of Cosmopolitan magazine.
Please click here to view MICA's response on the CRC 2002/3 Report released on 8 Sept 2003.
Please click here to view the CRC 2002/3 report that was released on 4 Sept 2003.
Please click here for speech by Mr David T E Lim, Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (13 April 2002).
Censorship Review Committee 2010
A Censorship Review Committee was appointed in September 2009 by the Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts. It's role is to conduct a mid-term review so as to refine and update content regulation policies and standards across the various media.
The committee was headed by Mr Goh Yew Lin, Chairman of Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music and Chairman of Singapore Symphonia Co Ltd. It comprised sixteen other members from a cross section of society.
The committee conducted a representative survey, held a series of focus groups as part of its review to obtain an understanding of community and industry concerns. The committee completed its review in Sept 2010.
Please click here for CRC Press Release.
Please click here for CRC 2010 Report.
Please click here for CRC Survey Findings.