Singapore's Position:
Singapore has extremely strict libel laws compared to the American system. Singapore leaders have firmly stated that libel on the Internet will not be tolerated and abusers will be severely punished. On March 6, 1996, Internet service providers became responsible for anything that they print. Further, all Internet service providers must register with the Singapore Broadcasting Authority. The Singapore government has developed a national phone line system through which individuals can access the Internet. The phone lines can be monitored and abusers can then be found.
This law can be ineffective for two reasons:
- The accessibility of foreign phone lines.
Individuals can easily dial into a foreign phone system to access the Internet and bypass the monitoring system in Singapore.
- The existence of cybercafes.
Cybercafes are popular locations where young people gather. The young people socialize and also surf the Internet. The computer user pays a fee for the Internet time and, to the frustration of the Singapore government, can thereby send anonymous messages.
The Singapore government is also advancing an educational program on Internet etiquette and hopes to teach students how to use the Internet responsibly.