SINGAPORE: The Online Citizen's website and some of its social media accounts were deactivated on Thursday (Sep 16) ahead of a deadline set by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
On Tuesday, IMDA suspended the alternative news provider’s licence and ordered it to stop posting on its website and social media accounts, for failing to declare all its funding sources.
It gave TOC until 3pm on Thursday to disable its website and social media accounts.
When CNA checked the website at around 2pm, the page showed an error code 1020 stating that access to the site was denied. It provided an explanation for the error, saying that the website was using "a security service to protect itself from online attacks".
TOC’s Facebook and Twitter accounts were also deactivated, while its Instagram account was made private. There was no content shown on its YouTube channel.
A screengrab of The Online Citizen website, which shows "access denied" on Sep 16, 2021
TOC has been given until Sep 28 to provide further information to fully comply with the Broadcasting Act or it could have its licence cancelled, said IMDA.
According to IMDA, registered Internet content providers such as TOC, which promote or discuss political issues relating to Singapore online, are "required to be transparent" about their sources of funding. This is to prevent foreign influence in domestic politics.
Under Section 12 of the Broadcasting Act, IMDA can cancel or suspend the licence of a broadcasting licensee if it is found to have contravened any conditions of its licence. A fine may also be imposed.
CNA has contacted TOC for comments.
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On Tuesday, IMDA suspended the alternative news provider’s licence and ordered it to stop posting on its website and social media accounts, for failing to declare all its funding sources.
It gave TOC until 3pm on Thursday to disable its website and social media accounts.
When CNA checked the website at around 2pm, the page showed an error code 1020 stating that access to the site was denied. It provided an explanation for the error, saying that the website was using "a security service to protect itself from online attacks".
TOC’s Facebook and Twitter accounts were also deactivated, while its Instagram account was made private. There was no content shown on its YouTube channel.
A screengrab of The Online Citizen website, which shows "access denied" on Sep 16, 2021
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TOC has been given until Sep 28 to provide further information to fully comply with the Broadcasting Act or it could have its licence cancelled, said IMDA.
According to IMDA, registered Internet content providers such as TOC, which promote or discuss political issues relating to Singapore online, are "required to be transparent" about their sources of funding. This is to prevent foreign influence in domestic politics.
Under Section 12 of the Broadcasting Act, IMDA can cancel or suspend the licence of a broadcasting licensee if it is found to have contravened any conditions of its licence. A fine may also be imposed.
CNA has contacted TOC for comments.
Continue reading...