Dated: 23 July 2011
The Media Development Authority (MDA) has completed investigations into feedback received from a member of the public on 21 April 2011, that sex-themed games were being offered on SingTel’s IDEAS website and M1’s website. While no complaint was made with regard to StarHub Ltd, MDA proceeded to issue notices to all three Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to remove any games containing mature themes, which would be in breach of the Class Licence and Internet Code of Practice. The MDA also required them to provide copies of the games for assessment.
Following investigations, SingNet Pte Ltd has been found to have breached the Class Licence and Internet Code of Practice. 11 games offered on the SingTel IDEAS website, which came to our attention on 21 April 2011, contained images of scantily clad or nude women. In addition, two out of the 11 games featured the themes of rape and bestiality. These materials are offensive to good taste and decency and constitute materials prohibited under the Internet Code of Practice. MDA has imposed a fine of $40,000 on SingNet Pte Ltd. Under the Penalty Scheme for Class Licence breaches, the maximum fine is $50,000. This is the first time an ISP has been fined by MDA for contravening the Class Licence and Internet Code of Practice.
MDA has also investigated the games offered by M1 Ltd and StarHub Ltd that came to our attention on 21 April 2011. As they did not contain any offensive materials, M1 Ltd and StarHub Ltd did not breach the Class Licence and Internet Code of Practice.
With effect from September this year, all ISPs are required to promote Internet filters, including for mobile, at point of sale and upon renewal of contracts to its subscribers. MDA encourages ISPs to continue doing their part to protect children and families from objectionable content. MDA would like to remind all ISPs that as part of their obligations under the Class Licence, they would also need to ensure that content put up by their appointed vendors are not objectionable under the Internet Code of Practice.
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About Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (www.mda.gov.sg) promotes the growth of globally competitive film, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation and interactive digital media industries. It also regulates the media sector to safeguard the interests of consumers, and promotes a connected society.
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