Censorship and the Internet

Abstract

Technology and censorship are often seen as opposing forces in the information age. This tension is exemplified by the case of Singapore, which wants to harness new technologies for development while having censorship controls in place. This paper looks at how Singapore is going about censorship of the Internet. It is part of a larger study into how Singapore proposes to censor without losing the advantages of new technologies. The paper begins by noting that censorship in Singapore is justified on historical and socio-political grounds. Both the government and the people want it, favouring caution and prevention over liberalism. In line with these desires, the Singapore government has drawn up guidelines for censorship. In practice, however, some of these principles conflict, especially when censorship of the Internet is attempted. The paper then looks at problems in censorship of the Internet and examines some censorship measures that have been attempted. The paper concludes with the observation that current thinking suggests it is almost impossible to both control information and reap the benefits of the information age. Singapore is trying nevertheless.