Singapore - S'pore has laws to deal with anyone involved in subversive online activities

SINGAPORE: Singapore has laws in place to deal with anyone, be it locals or foreigners, who conduct subversive activities, either through the Internet or other means, said Information, Communications and the Arts Minister Yaacob Ibrahim.

Dr Yaacob was asked if there are measures in place to prevent foreigners from interfering in local politics and affecting domestic stability through the social media.

Replying to MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC Gan Thiam Poh, Dr Yaacob explained that groups involved in the discussion of political issues can be gazetted under the Political Donations Act as political associations.

This prohibits them from receiving funds from and falling under the influence of foreigners seeking to use them as platforms to subvert Singapore's political processes.

Second, if a foreigner uses social media to stir up ill-will and hostility amongst different racial and religious groups in Singapore, or to spread seditious materials, this could constitute a prosecutable offence under the Sedition Act and/or Penal Code.

Third, the Broadcasting Act and its Regulations also give the Media Development Authority, MDA the power to order websites to take down specific pieces of content that are in breach of the Broadcasting Act Class Licence.

These include those against the public interest, public order or national harmony.

Defiance of MDA's orders may result in a cancellation or suspension of the Class License and prosecution.

But Dr Yaacob added that the government recognises that Internet use and behaviour are evolving.

Hence, there is the need to constantly review if the regulations Singapore has in place are adequate.

- CNA/fa


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