PETALING JAYA: Netizens of Singapore have denounced the Media Development Authority’s (MDA) new licensing scheme for ten online media websites as a censorship measure.
More than 130 Singapore based websites have blacked-out their sites in support of an online protest against the new regulations by MDA.
The movement consisting of socio-political bloggers call themselves #FreeMyInternet. They are opposing the new licensing requirements for online media claiming that it is a censorship measure.
Nine of the ten websites affected are those owned by companies with close links to the government, leaving only the Yahoo Singapore News website (sg.news.yahoo.com), of neutral ground.
Concerned netizens have also decided to “blackout” their websites as a sign of protest towards the authority’s action on placing restrictions for the online media.
The new licensing requirements imposed by the MDA requires online news sites to put up a “performance bond” of SGD50,000 and “comply withing 24hours to MDA’s directions to remove content that is found to be in breach of content standards”.
The movement’s website, www.freemyinternet.com allows netizens to sign an online petition in protest of the new regulations and also steps on how people can “blackout” their blog sites.
The “blackout” online protest is planned to go on till midnight.
According to their Facebook group, they are most concerned about losing their ability to participate in everyday online activities and discussions.
They are also taking a strong stand against the licensing regime as they believe it would impede on their independence.
The movement has planned a rally at Hong Lim Park on June 8 from 4pm to 7pm. The fact that Hong Lim Park in a “free speech are”, the rally does not require a police permit.
No comments:
Post a Comment