Under the guidance of the National Infocomm Security Committee, Singaporean authorities have promulgated three development blueprints to strengthen cybersecurity. The first, known as the "Infocomm Security Masterplan," was issued in 2005 for a period of 3 years, with a total cost of 38 million Singapore dollars (1 Singapore dollar is approximately equivalent to 4.8 Chinese yuan). This period focused on cybersecurity in the public sector, protecting Singapore's critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, and maintaining a secure infocomm environment for the government, businesses, and individuals.
In 2008, the second "Infocomm Security Masterplan" was launched. This 5-year plan strengthened Singapore's cybersecurity through six major strategies. These strategies included conducting cyberattack drills, raising cybersecurity awareness, establishing professional infocomm associations, and awarding scholarships. The government and the telecommunications industry allocated 70 million Singapore dollars for this blueprint, extending cybersecurity protections to the private sector and providing comprehensive security for Singapore's internet.
Last July, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore announced its third development blueprint—the National Cyber Security Masterplan. The government pledged 23 million Singapore dollars for this plan, which runs until 2018, to enhance Singapore's ability to withstand cyberattacks by strengthening security for critical infocomm infrastructure, increasing advocacy to ensure that individuals and businesses use correct security measures, and cultivating professional infocomm talent. It is worth noting that the addition of the word "National" to the new blueprint indicates that the National Infocomm Security Committee will broaden its perspective to coordinate the ability of various government departments to collectively defend against cyberattacks.
While the Infocomm Development Authority is primarily responsible for the planning, coordination, and cooperation of national informatization development and the cybersecurity masterplan, the Media Development Authority is responsible for internet management in Singapore. Naturally, Singapore, known worldwide for its rule of law, also maintains social stability and the healthy development of the internet through legal channels.
Regarding cybersecurity, Singapore imposes sanctions for crimes through the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act. As early as 1996, Singapore promulgated the Broadcasting Act and the Internet Code of Practice. The Broadcasting Act stipulates the scope of subjects and the class licensing system for internet management, while the Internet Code of Practice clearly specifies the responsibilities of internet service providers and content providers to self-regulate content or cooperate with government requirements. The Singaporean government also organically combines traditional laws such as the Internal Security Act, the Sedition Act, and the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act with internet regulations like the Broadcasting Act and the Internet Code of Practice to combat behaviors that endanger national and social security.
Of course, the Singaporean government spares no effort in promoting internet education, placing particular emphasis on educational and promotional activities for teenagers and parents. As early as 1999, it established a volunteer organization called the Internet Parents Advisory Group, which uses government funding to host training courses, encouraging parents to guide their children in the proper use of the internet and emphasizing the cultivation of children's discernment.
In the development and management of the internet in Singapore, the government has always played a leading role. The Singaporean government believes that as a representative of national and public interests, it must actively intervene in internet management.
