A Singapore regulation requiring websites that regularly publish news on the city state to be licensed has sparked criticism among opposition groups who said the government move is “regressive.”
The rule could impede the free flow of information and the development of media in the country, the Singapore Democratic Party said in a statement. The National Solidarity Party said greater regulation of an industry that is already licensed is “puzzling,” as more discussion is needed on national issues. Neither party has representatives in Parliament.
“Freedom of the press is a right of the people that the government must respect,” the Singapore Democratic Party said in a statement. “The introduction of this policy will simply make Singaporeans more determined to use the new media as a news source, as well as to push for greater media freedom.” Full story
