Information Technology as a Tool for Control in Singapore
Author(s)
Gomez, James
Abstract
Singapore has often been mentioned as a successful model of industrial and technological development, which over a relatively short space of time has resulted in a considerable improvement in the standard of living of the population. This has not, however, happened without a price being paid, as many commentators have observed. Amongst other concerns are the restrictions that have been placed on civil liberties, particularly on rights to freedom of speech and access to government information. In this area, the situation in Singapore – and, to a lesser degree, Malaysia – presents a stark contrast to that of the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. The paper shows that in Singapore, contrary to the norm, a highly developed IT and telecommunications network has not led to greater freedom of information. The government has managed to limit the opportunities that the Internet offers for exchange of views and information nationally and internationally, and has also created various difficulties for individuals trying to create personal websites.
