Podcasting is not allowed during elections
By Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 April 2006 1806 hrs

	Photos  of
	Related Videos podcasting

Podcasting will not be allowed during elections as it does not fall under the "positive list" which states what is allowed under election advertising.

Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts Balaji Sadasivan added that streaming of videos during campaigning would also be prohibited.

He was addressing a question in Parliament on Monday about the use of new technologies on the internet during hustings.

Pictures of candidates, party histories and manifestos are on the "positive list" and are allowed to be used as election advertising on the internet.

Newer internet tools like podcasting do not fall within this "positive list".

Dr Balaji said: "There are also some well-known local blogs run by private individuals who have ventured into podcasting. The content of some of these podcasts can be quite entertaining. However, the streaming of explicit political content by individuals during the election period is prohibited under the Election Advertising Regulations. A similar prohibition would apply to the videocasting or video streaming of explicitly political content."

The Parliamentary Election Act was amended in 2001 to allow political parties to advertise on the internet.

This was to ensure responsible use of the internet during campaigning as the free-for all environment of the internet is open to abuse.

Dr Balaji added that individual bloggers can discuss politics, but have to register with the Media Development Agency if they persistently promote political views.

When registered, they're then not allowed to advertise during elections - something only political parties, candidates and election agents are allowed to do only.

Despite new internet technology, there're no plans to change the law on campaigning on line during an election.

The government's view is that people can have diverse views, but should not hide behind the anonymity of the internet, to manipulate public opinion. - CNA/ch

Singapore Votes 2006: Channelnewsasia.com special coverage >>>