Digital & technology — Topics

20 Jan 2014

Allowing Long Term Visit Pass-Plus Holders to Register for SingPass Account

Ang Hin Kee proposed that Long Term Visit Pass-Plus (LTVP+) holders be allowed to register for SingPass to access more employment opportunities.
The Ministry of Manpower indicated an ongoing review to enhance public access for government transactions, potentially including LTVP+ holders.
The review aims to enable those without SingPass, such as LTVP+ holders, to conduct corporate transactions with government agencies.

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20 Jan 2014

Regulatory Actions Taken under Spam Control Act

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked about the number and types of regulatory actions taken under the Spam Control Act annually since 2008.
The Spam Control Act, which came into effect in 2007, uses a civil-based enforcement regime allowing aggrieved parties to sue spam senders in court for injunctions or damages.
No regulatory actions have been taken under the Act because enforcement relies on civil suits, and the courts have reported no spam-related cases filed to date.

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20 Jan 2014

Curbing Cyberbullying

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah requested an update on the multi-Ministry review to tighten laws and civil measures against cyberbullying.
The Minister highlighted existing laws under the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Penal Code, and other legislation that criminalize harassment, along with potential civil remedies through common law torts.
An inter-Ministry group is reviewing laws due to worrying trends, citing a Microsoft study that found Singapore had the second highest rate of online bullying among youths.
The Government plans to build on the current legal framework to provide a ladder of remedies for harassment, with more details to follow.

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20 Jan 2014

Awareness for Greater Cybersecurity

The Government is implementing multi-layered cybersecurity strategies that include prevention, detection, response, and recovery for its IT systems, while recognizing the need to balance security with service availability and seeking public understanding for more frequent maintenance.
To raise public and business awareness, the Government has launched initiatives such as the annual Cybersecurity Awareness Day, the "Go Safe Online" campaign, and collaborative efforts through the Cybersecurity Awareness Alliance, emphasizing practices like strong passwords and regular software updates.
The National Cybersecurity Masterplan 2018 aims to enhance critical infrastructure security, promote broader adoption of cybersecurity measures, and grow the pool of infocomm security experts through research and development programs.

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20 Jan 2014

Safeguarding Singapore's Cyber Infrastructure

Ms Tin Pei Ling inquired about the government’s assessment of the threat from the hacker group Anonymous, the precautions taken to protect key infrastructure, and the steps to send a strong signal against such attacks.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean highlighted arrests under the Computer Misuse and Cyber Security Act for unrelated cyber incidents, confirming no organized link to Anonymous, and emphasized the government’s serious stance on cybersecurity.
The government is strengthening Singapore’s infocomm infrastructure through enhanced monitoring, regular security scans, system patching, and increased vigilance by agencies, while vowing to prosecute perpetrators undermining national security and peace.

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20 Jan 2014

Exemption on Telemarketing Messages under Do Not Call Regime

MPs raised concerns about the exemption allowing businesses to send telemarketing SMS/fax to existing customers without checking the Do Not Call Registry, questioning the definition of “ongoing relationship,” privacy balance, and enforcement clarity.
The Senior Minister of State explained the exemption was introduced after public consultations to allow limited in-service telemarketing messages (e.g., telecom updates with promotions) only if there is an ongoing relationship, message relevance, and an opt-out option, aligning with international practices.
The government emphasized extensive outreach to businesses and consumers, and the PDPC will investigate and enforce breaches, with no cases yet involving abuse of the exemption.

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12 Nov 2013

Keeping Singapore Statutes Online Current

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked about the timeliness of updates to Singapore Statutes Online and the availability of repealed legislation, past versions of current legislation, and past Government Gazettes on the platform.
K Shanmugam confirmed that Singapore Statutes Online is updated within three working days and is maintained by a dedicated unit within the Attorney General’s Chambers.
He stated that repealed legislation and past versions of current legislation are available to subscribers of LAWNET, a service provided by the Singapore Academy of Law.
Past Government Gazettes are available on the eGazette website on subscription, with contractual arrangements allowing the Government Printer to charge for maintaining the site.
The response highlights that while some historical documents are not freely available on Singapore Statutes Online, they are accessible through subscription-based services.

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12 Nov 2013

Greater Access to LawNet Database for Singaporeans

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked if the National Library could subscribe to LawNet to improve public access to legal resources.
The National Library Board already subscribes to LawNet but cannot offer public access due to licensing restrictions.
NLB provides assistance through librarians and online requests for LawNet queries, which have been minimal since 2010.
As an alternative, NLB offers i-Law, an accessible electronic resource on Singapore law available at libraries and remotely.
The current setup prioritizes licensing compliance while trying to meet public needs through mediated support.

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11 Nov 2013

Registration of Extramarital Dating Website in Singapore

Seah Kian Peng asked if the government would allow, block, or permit publicity for a planned Canadian-based extramarital dating website in Singapore.
Denise Phua Lay Peng asked if the Ministry would block the Ashley Madison website and similar services that promote infidelity.
The Government will block access to the Ashley Madison website as it encourages extramarital affairs and targets Singaporeans, which is against public interest and family values.
It is not practical to block all similar websites, so the Media Development Authority blocks a limited number as a symbolic statement against undesirable content.
The government will work with the Advertising Standards Authority to discourage advertisements for such services, and Ashley Madison is unlikely to be advertised locally now that its site is blocked.

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11 Nov 2013

Implications of Recent Phone Spying Scandals on Singapore

Ms Tan Su Shan inquired about the implications of recent US-EU phone spying incidents on Singapore’s national security.
Minister K Shanmugam acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and confirmed close monitoring of developments.
The government declined to comment on unverified or speculative media reports.
Security agencies have informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that they are vigilantly tracking any potential security implications for Singapore.
Appropriate actions will be taken if necessary to safeguard national interests.

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11 Nov 2013

Fire at Bukit Panjang Telecommunications Exchange

The Minister confirmed that the IDA is investigating the Bukit Panjang fire, focusing on its cause, avoidability, operator response, and measures to prevent recurrence, while noting that a second fully diversified network would be prohibitively expensive.
The government outlined a resilience strategy based on diversity, resistance, redundancy, and recovery, with existing resiliency codes and penalties for operators, and plans to implement an audit framework for mobile networks by next year.
Businesses and consumers are advised to work with telecom providers to adopt tailored resilience strategies, such as path diversity or using multiple operators, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all service tier.
The Minister clarified that the sale of OpenNet is unrelated to the incident, and IDA will assess the consolidation application based on competition and public interest criteria, considering feedback from industry stakeholders.
Follow-up questions highlighted the need for regular resilience exercises, the inclusion of all operators in audits, and whether stricter requirements are warranted given Singapore’s heavy dependence on telecom infrastructure, with the Minister affirming a balanced, proactive audit approach.

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21 Oct 2013

Use of SingPass for Primary School Online Registration

The debate focused on why single parents cannot use their SingPass for Primary 1 online registration, with a question from Lee Li Lian to the Minister for Education.
Heng Swee Keat explained that the standard registration requires both parents' documents to prove their relationship and joint decision, but single parents can register in person with proof of their marital situation.
The online system requires two SingPass entries to verify parents' identities, so single parents must register at the school with documents to confirm their circumstances and prevent disputes.
The Ministry is exploring digital solutions like the P1 Internet System for convenience but must balance verification needs for all family types.
The core concern is ensuring accurate parental consent and reducing disputes, while adapting systems to accommodate single-parent households through alternative channels.

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21 Oct 2013

Singapore Government's Requests to Web Services Companies for User Data

Pritam Singh questioned the government on the number of requests for non-public user data made to tech companies without user knowledge, the types of information sought, reasons for requests, non-criminal matters involved, and the safeguards in place for such requests.
Teo Chee Hean explained that law enforcement agencies may request user data from internet companies during criminal investigations, with requests properly documented and companies informed of the offence being investigated.
From 2010 to 2012, agencies made about 600 requests per year to Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, primarily for non-content data like account details, with most requests related to cybercrime and other offences such as corruption and terrorism.

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21 Oct 2013

Update on Media Convergence Review

The Government supports a multi-pronged approach to address online piracy, focusing on public education, promoting legitimate content sources, and considering regulatory measures like site blocking.
Public education initiatives, such as outreach programs and IP Academy courses, aim to cultivate respect for copyright, while content providers are expanding legal access through digital services.
The Ministry is finalizing its review on site blocking as a regulatory tool, noting evidence of its effectiveness in reducing access to infringing sites, though it is not a complete solution.
The Copyright Act is being reviewed to keep pace with technological changes, balancing the protection of rights owners with consumer access to legitimate content.

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21 Oct 2013

Cessation of Teletext Service

Ms Denise Phua and Mr Low Thia Khiang raised concerns about the impact of Mediacorp's Teletext service discontinuation on the elderly and less-educated users, asking for assistance and usage data.
Minister Yaacob Ibrahim explained that Teletext usage declined drastically due to internet growth, making it commercially unviable, and highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Silver Infocomm Initiative to help seniors transition to digital alternatives.
The Minister acknowledged feedback and complaints from seniors, assured that alternative services exist, and emphasized that Mediacorp's decision was commercial but made with consideration for public impact.
Ms Phua suggested a more rigorous communication and coaching plan for affected seniors, including multilingual support and community-based coaching, which the Minister agreed to consider.
The debate concluded with an understanding of the challenges faced by seniors and a commitment to enhancing digital inclusivity through existing and improved programs.

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16 Sep 2013

Impact of Personal Data Protection Act on Healthcare Information

Dr Janil Puthucheary asked whether healthcare information is affected by the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and if citizens' access to their own healthcare data would be impacted.
The Minister for Communications and Information clarified that the healthcare sector remains regulated by existing laws like the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act, with the PDPA applying concurrently but not overriding these specific regulations.
It was confirmed that medical professionals and institutions must continue to uphold patient confidentiality, and patients can still request their medical reports as usual.
Regarding third-party providers not covered by healthcare laws, the Minister stated that such data collection would generally be covered by the PDPA based on usage, with exceptions evaluated case by case.
The PDPA serves as a baseline law to protect personal data across sectors, ensuring a common standard while allowing sector-specific laws to prevail in case of inconsistency.

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8 Jul 2013

Migration of Free-To-Air Television Channels to Digital Television

The migration to digital television will allow households to enjoy clearer images and surround sound, while freeing up spectrum for better wireless services, with a complete switchover by 2020.
Approximately 40% of households without Pay TV subscriptions will need to purchase a DVB-T2 set-top box and indoor antenna to continue receiving free-to-air channels after the analogue switch-off.
The government is providing support, including consumer labels for compatible equipment and plans to minimize the impact on lower-income households, while Pay TV subscribers will not need to take additional action.

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8 Jul 2013

Media Development Authority's Licensing Framework for News Websites in Singapore

Mrs Lina Chiam argued that the Media Development Authority's new licensing framework for online news sites is overly broad, ambiguous, and could stifle internet freedom, citing concerns about arbitrary enforcement, the $50,000 performance bond, and the lack of prior parliamentary debate or stakeholder consultation.
The government, represented by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, defended the regulations as a necessary extension of existing internet content standards to ensure responsibility among major news providers, emphasizing that content standards remain unchanged and that the framework is a light-touch refinement rather than a major policy shift.
Both sides disagreed on whether the regulations targeted blogs and community sites, with Mrs Chiam warning they could suppress political commentary and Dr Ibrahim asserting that only sites meeting specific reach and content criteria would be licensed, and that the government would remain flexible on bond requirements.

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8 Jul 2013

New Licensing Framework for Online News Sites

Multiple MPs expressed concern that the new licensing framework, announced with short notice and no public consultation, could stifle online freedom and create uncertainty for news sites, bloggers, and social media pages that meet the criteria of posting Singapore news weekly and attracting 50,000 unique local IP addresses monthly.
The Minister defended the framework as a necessary evolution to hold high-reach online news sites to the same content standards and responsibilities as traditional media, citing technological convergence and the growing importance of online news, and assured that the $50,000 performance bond and 24-hour takedown requirement would be applied flexibly.
The Minister stated that only 10 sites were initially identified, with no immediate plans to license others, and that the framework does not affect most internet content providers, while promising further consultation on potential extensions to overseas-based sites in upcoming amendments to the Broadcasting Act.

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8 Jul 2013

Dissemination of Accurate Information during Occurrence of Haze

The government relies on media organizations and its own digital platforms, such as the NEA app and website, to provide timely and accurate haze information, supplemented by daily briefings, social media updates, and broadcasts with PSI readings.
During the haze, false information spread online, including altered screenshots and fabricated claims about mask distribution and pricing, which the government actively debunked through initiatives like the "Cut Through The Haze" microsite and the "Factually" platform.
The Media Literacy Council focuses on public education to promote a responsible online environment, though it faces challenges due to skepticism from some online communities, while the government encourages public collaboration to counter misinformation.
For malicious attempts to spread falsehoods, the government evaluates cases individually and can request corrections or, in severe cases, take action through regulatory levers like the Media Development Authority to remove harmful content.

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