SINGAPORE: The Online Citizen (TOC) has had its class licence cancelled after it repeatedly refused to comply with requirements as a registered Internet content provider (ICP), said the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) on Friday (Oct 15).
"Registered ICPs, such as TOC, which engage in the online promotion or discussion of political issues relating to Singapore, are required to be transparent about their sources of funding," said IMDA in a media release.
"This is to prevent such ICPs from being controlled by foreign actors, or coming under the influence of foreign entities or funding, and to ensure that there is no foreign influence in domestic politics."
TOC's licence was suspended on Sep 14, and the alternative news provider had been ordered to stop posting on its websites and social media accounts.
It came after TOC failed to declare all its funding sources, despite "multiple reminders and extensions", said IMDA last month. It was given a final deadline of Sep 28 to submit the required information.
"As at Oc 14, 2021, TOC has still not submitted the required information. TOC has also publicly stated that it will not be providing the required information," said IMDA on Friday.
"TOC’s clear and persistent refusal to be transparent and to provide the necessary information to bring it into full compliance with the Broadcasting Act and the Broadcasting (Class Licence) Notification compels IMDA to proceed with the cancellation of TOC’s class licence with immediate effect."
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"Registered ICPs, such as TOC, which engage in the online promotion or discussion of political issues relating to Singapore, are required to be transparent about their sources of funding," said IMDA in a media release.
"This is to prevent such ICPs from being controlled by foreign actors, or coming under the influence of foreign entities or funding, and to ensure that there is no foreign influence in domestic politics."
TOC's licence was suspended on Sep 14, and the alternative news provider had been ordered to stop posting on its websites and social media accounts.
It came after TOC failed to declare all its funding sources, despite "multiple reminders and extensions", said IMDA last month. It was given a final deadline of Sep 28 to submit the required information.
"As at Oc 14, 2021, TOC has still not submitted the required information. TOC has also publicly stated that it will not be providing the required information," said IMDA on Friday.
"TOC’s clear and persistent refusal to be transparent and to provide the necessary information to bring it into full compliance with the Broadcasting Act and the Broadcasting (Class Licence) Notification compels IMDA to proceed with the cancellation of TOC’s class licence with immediate effect."
Continue reading...