Singapore’s Media Development Authority (MDA) has an unfortunate knack for implementing high-handed and unpopular regulations. A while ago, The Online Citizen (TOC), an established political news site in Singapore, became the next in line to be told to register under the Broadcasting (Class Licence) Notification, which was expanded last year to include new media sites.
Now, they’re taking aim at arts entertainment performances that are streamed in real time to audiences in Singapore.
According to TODAYonline, the amendments to the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act (PEMA) were announced two days ago. Under the modifications, all forms of arts entertainment – whether physically or virtually staged – will require classification by the Media Development Authority.
In other words, popular video streaming sites such as YouTube will now be subject to classification standards as well.
“The same regulatory principles should apply regardless of whether an arts entertainment is performed physically or virtually staged, so that younger viewers are protected and consumers can make informed viewing choices,” said minister for communication and information Yaacob Ibrahim in parliament on Wednesday.
The proposed amendments will also give MDA expanded powers to investigate potential breaches of the Act through their Arts Entertainment Licensing Officers, according to Channel NewsAsia. These officers now have the same authority as local police do, and can summon people for investigation or demand the provision of necessary information and documents.
See: Go away MDA, and leave Singapore’s news startups alone
With more regulations in hand, guess who the MDA is after now?
