SINGAPORE - Content from social media accounts could be blocked here if they are determined to be part of a hostile information campaign, under a proposed law to tackle foreign interference in domestic politics.
Under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill introduced in Parliament on Monday (Sept 13), the Home Affairs Minister can issue a direction to social media providers to block content by these accounts from being viewed in Singapore.
The Bill would also grant the minister powers to issue directions to various entities such as social media services, electronic services, Internet access services, as well as to people who run websites, blogs or social media pages.
These powers are meant to help the authorities investigate and counter hostile communications activity of foreign origin, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a statement setting out the purpose and scope of the new Bill.
They do not apply to Singaporeans expressing their own views on political matters, unless they are agents of a foreign principal, said MHA.
"Singaporeans have the right to discuss politics. Nor do they apply to foreign individuals or foreign publications reporting or commenting on Singapore politics, in an open, transparent and attributable way, even if their comments may be critical of Singapore or the Government," it said.
Most of the directions of the proposed law can be issued if all of these conditions are met:
- Communications activity is taking place or has taken place
...Read Full Story: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/powers-granted-under-new-foreign-interference-countermeasures-law-include
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