Censorship on the Internet

Video Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPAvg6CU6sI

According to Steele (2002, p.7), censorship is ‘any attempt to limit or prevent the free exchange of information’. It can be an attempt by the government or individuals in the choice of in the exchange of information. Indeed, censorship is often used based on good intent to safeguard the interest of the public. On the personal level, there are parents wish to restrict the kids’ access to questionable content, such as obscene, violent or sexual contents. On the national level, government may censor as a form of social control to maintain social balance and harmony. Of the various media forms, censorship in the cyberspace remains a great challenge, given its freedom of expression.



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Censorship in Singapore

In Singapore, censorship focuses on four areas: political, racial, religious and sexual issues. Being a multi-racial society, the Singapore Government pays special attention to censor information or views that may undermine respective reasons. The Maria Hertogh riots that occurred in the 1950s, that leaves at least 18 killed and 173 injured, ‘highlighted the insensitive way the media handled religious and racial issues in Singapore’ (Tan, 1997).  To control the exchange of online information, the 3 Internet Service Providers ( ISPs) abide by regulations of the Media Development Authority (MDA) to block websites with questionable materials.

On the personal level, internet users are expected to practice self-censorship. Chen Jiahao received email that notified him that the government was considering legal action against his blog when Chen blogged his criticism of A*STAR, a Singaporean state agency. Facing potentially ruinous financial penalties, Chen issued a public apology, shut down his blog and promised to not to make similar statements in future. Chen’s case reinforces the power of law to alter Internet content and has led other Singaporean bloggers to write more cautiously.

References


GOODMagazine, 2008, GOOD: Internet Censorship, video, YouTube, 21 October, viewed 2 Feb 2011, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPAvg6CU6sI>


Steele, P 2002, Censorship, Evans Brothers Limited, London


Tan, Y L 1997, Maria Hertogh Riots, National Library Board Singapore, 29 September, viewed on 2 Feb 2011, <http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_83_2005-02-02.html>