9/18/2019 Singapore | Global Network Initiative Material that is broadcast, such as television programs or content published on the internet (including social media) is governed by codes of practice issued by the IMDA. The Internet Code of Practice (“ICOP”), under section 2, requires that licensees (i.e. Internet Content Providers and Internet Service Providers) use their best efforts to ensure that prohibited material is not broadcast via the internet to users in Singapore. Prohibited material is defined in section 4 of ICOP and is material that is objectionable on the grounds of public interest, public morality, public order, public security, national harmony, or is otherwise prohibited by applicable Singapore laws. Under the Broadcasting Act, the IMDA has the power to impose sanctions, including fines, on licensees who contravene ICOP. Internet Content Providers also need to remain mindful of the Class Licence Conditions which are set out in the Schedule to the Broadcasting (Class Licence) Notification. These conditions set out further guidelines for Internet Content Providers to adhere to which include: pre-registration if the Internet Content Providers is engaged in the propagation, promotion or discussion of political or religious issues; assisting IMDA with any information requests or investigations and ensuring the service is not for furtherance of games and lotteries; horse-racing gambling; prostitution; professional advice given by persons without Singapore-recognised qualifications, broadcasting of films or sounds not approved by the Films Act or IMDA. ICOP and the class conditions are unlikely to apply to telephone communications but do apply to broadcast media which includes internet access (networks) and content providers. BLOCKED WEBSITES The Singapore government through the IMDA maintains a list of blocked websites. The IMDA, under acts such as the Remote Gambling Act and Undesirable Publications Act also bans websites labelled under categories like pornography, cults, violent crime, criminal skills and gambling. Under the Remote Gambling Act, it is an offence punishable by imprisonment and fines to place bets on overseas gambling websites from Singapore. Under the Class Licence Conditions, if the IMDA is satisfied that content on a website is undesirable, harmful or obscene, the IMDA will give Internet Service Providers written notice that users should be prevented from accessing that https://clfr.globalnetworkinitiative.org/country/singapore/ 11/13