The Government May Soon Ban VPNs
A virtual private network, also known as a VPN, is a private network that extends across a public network or internet. It enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network. In simplified terms, a VPN gives internet users in Singapore the ability to surf sites and access content under geographical restrictions. But now, your Netflix TV shows, movie streaming and Korean dramas may be in jeopardy of being outlawed by the Government.
The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) has proposed the review as part of a number of wide-ranging revisions it is suggesting to be made to the Copyright Act which was last updated in 2004. The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has raised so called “concerns” that the ability to bypass geographical restrictions to access content could be infringing on copyright.
As of now, MinLaw has not yet made a decision and is asking for different proposals as to how the Copyright Act of 2004 should be updated. However, if past Government “consultations” are any indicator of what’s to come, the powers that be have likely made up their mind on banning VPNs entirely. This would put Singapore’s internet users in the same league as Communist North Korea, Iran and China when it comes to internet censorship. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Government resorts to such draconian measures.
In 2015, Parliament passed a sweeping ban on alcohol sales and consumption after 10 pm to tackle a handful of rowdy drinkers. The move only served to kill off Singapore’s already tame night life. The so called “public consultations” were only a show. So be prepared to say goodbye to Game of Thrones, House of Cards, your Korean dramas and so on.
Since MinLaw is still gathering feedback on the legality of VPNs, here’s a suggestion: Instead of banning VPNs to safeguard the revenue of local cable companies, how about reflect on why Singaporeans would rather watch foreign content over our local TV shows and channels.
