Bloggers send 20-page proposal to minister

A group of bloggers, led by Choo Zheng Xi and Alex Au, sent a 20-page proposal to the Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts, Dr Lee Boon Yang, today (April 21, 2008). The paper , titled “Proposals for Internet freedom in Singapore”, expresses the bloggers’ concerns about Internet regulation in Singapore and offers proposals for the government to consider in its current review of such regulations.

The full paper is in pdf file. (See below).

21 April 2008

Dr Lee Boon Yang

Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts

Sir,

Proposals for Internet freedom in Singapore

The government has repeatedly acknowledged that Internet technology is constantly evolving and that regulation of the Internet must keep up with the times. Moreover, as a nation, there are vast benefits we can reap from our ability to use the technology effectively and creatively, and regulation should not be a dead hand foreclosing these opportunities. Heretofore, the government has promised and exercised a light touch, but it would be better if policy is based not merely on forbearance, but framed by more clearly articulated principles, in the interest of greater transparency and coherence.

As a group of active participants in Internet expression with a concern for media regulation, we submit for your kind consideration the enclosed proposals. They include both a general review of process rules, as well as content regulation, with special regard to (a) political expression, (b) hate speech and (c) sex and violence.

Each section bears its own list of signatories, and may list one or more among us who have dissented or abstained from the recommendation arrived at for that section.

We will be making this document public the day after we have submitted it to you, as we believe that the regulation of the Internet is a matter of public interest.

We are aware that these are issues of some legal complexity and do not pretend to have arrived at perfect solutions. However, we strongly believe that some of the key principles we’re advocating are important ones and hope that the government will take them on board in its ongoing review of regulations

Yours sincerely,

Choo Zheng Xi (theonlinecitizen.com)

Alex Au Waipang (yawningbread.org)

Gerald Giam (singaporepatriot.blogspot.com)

Roderick Chia (rodsjournal.wordpress.com)

Bernard Leong (bleongcw.typepad.com)

Ng E-Jay (www.sgpolitics.net)

Mohan Gopalan (magnezium.blogspot.com)

Scott Teng Kie Zin (small-friend.blogspot.com)

Cherian George (journalism.sg)

See Tong Ming (singaporerebel.blogspot.com)

Benjamin Cheah (leounheort.blogspot.com)