SINGAPORE'S SINGNET HIT WITH FINE OVER SEX-THEMED GAMES.

SINGAPORE, July 25 Asia Pulse - Singapore Media Development Authority (MDA) imposed a fine of S$40,000 (US$33,104) on SingNet Pte Ltd for selling sex-themed games.

The materials were found to be offensive to good taste and decency and constituted materials prohibited under the Internet Code of Practice, said MDA in a statement.

This is the first time an Internet service provider has been fined by MDA for contravening the Class Licence and Internet Code of Practice.

MDA said it completed investigations into feedback received from a member of the public on April 21 that sex-themed games were being offered on SingTel's IDEAS website and M1's website.

While no complaint was made with regards to StarHub Ltd, MDA proceeded to issue notices to all three Internet Service Providers to remove any games containing mature themes, which would be in breach of the Class Licence and Internet Code of Practice.

The authority also required them to provide copies of the games for assessment.

Following investigations, SingNet Pte Ltd was found to have breached the Class Licence and Internet Code of Practice.

"Eleven games offered on the SingTel IDEAS website, which came to our attention on 21 April contained images of scantily clad or nude women.

"In addition, two out of the 11 games featured the themes of rape and bestiality.

"Under the Penalty Scheme for Class Licence breaches, the maximum fine is $50,000," the statement added.

MDA also investigated the games offered by M1 Ltd and StarHub Ltd that came to its attention on April 21.

As they did not contain any offensive materials, M1 Ltd and StarHub Ltd did not breach the Class Licence and Internet Code of Practice.

With effect from September, all Internet service providers are required to promote Internet filters, including for mobile, at point of sale and upon renewal of contracts to its subscribers.

MDA reminded all Internet service providers, as part of their obligations under the Class Licence, must ensure that content put up by their appointed vendors were not objectionable under the Internet Code of Practice.

(BERNAMA-OANA) nt 25-07 1936