Singapore has been working to transition their content regulation scheme away from censorship and toward classification. Singapore directly regulates all media forms through the Media Development Authority MDA and has a majority ownership stake in the ISPs; however, corporate internet access for business purposes is exempt from regulation and there is a move toward co-regulation with a heightened emphasis on industry feedback and participation.
Over the years, the BFC has moved away from censorship toward classification. Prior to , Singapore used a single-tier system in which films were either approved for release or disallowed. Singapore introduced a computer game classification system in , operated by the MDA. Television programs are required to comply with content codes established by the MDA, which vary depending on the licence issued to the broadcaster.
The guidelines that the broadcasters need to comply with depend on the size of audience and whether the service is available for free or on a paid-for basis. Free-to-air television cannot air PG content between the hours of 6 am and 10 pm, and must clearly label any PG content aired during those hours.
Subscription and Video-on-Demand channels can air content rated NC16 or below at all times and can also broadcast M18 content between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am. Scheduled programming on IPTV is regulated by the same content standards as subscription television, while the Video-on-Demand programme code applies to on-demand content delivered via IPTV.
In contrast to other nations surveyed, Singapore exercises internet and new media regulation through access controls and legal pressures more than technological filtering or blocking methods. Providers who are granted a licence must abide by all MDA requests to filter or modify the content they post or face sanctions and revocation of their broadcasting privileges.
