MCI's response to PQ on the Update on Censorship Review Committee's Activities Since 2009

03 APR 2024

Parliament Sitting on 3 April 2024

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

25. Ms Hazel Poa: To ask the Minister for Communications and Information (a) why has the Censorship Review Committee (CRC) that is to be formed once every decade not been convened since 2009; (b) whether the Government intends to reconvene the CRC in view of rapid changes in Singapore’s media and social landscape; and (c) if so, when.

Answer:

  1. There is no set time frame to convene a content review committee. The Government takes into consideration Singapore’s prevailing media and social landscape in deciding when to convene content regulatory reviews, and the appropriate format for such reviews. For example, in the lead up to the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill of 2022, the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) conducted extensive engagements, including a public consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, to gather their feedback and suggestions on the proposed measures to enhance online safety. 

  2. More recently, to develop the Code of Practice for Online Safety which applies to designated Social Media Services (SMSes), the Infocomm Media Development Authority also consulted various stakeholders, including the designated SMSes, to gather feedback before finalising the Code.  

  3. On specific content, policies and standards, we also continue to consult a range of advisory committees. These varied approaches provide more flexibility in responding to shifts in the media landscape, community sentiments and societal norms.2. The key purpose of livestreaming the Parliamentary proceedings is to allow members of the public to view the Parliamentary proceedings real-time, without the need to be physically present in Parliament. Thereafter, the full records of Parliamentary proceedings are documented through the Hansard and accessible to all online.