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A voluntary code of ethics for blogs: possible but…

by

Cherian George

March 11th, 2012

Even if totally independent, it would be difficult enough for any group of bloggers, no matter how well respected, to persuade others to adopt a code. Herding cats would be simpler. The merest whiff of government involvement would destroy any chance of success – that would be like trying to herd cats while walking a dog. The best thing the government can do to encourage the process is to provide a clear and unambiguous signal that it will not tighten the regulation of political speech. Full Story

Recent Articles

Racial and religious offence: Why censorship doesn’t cut it

by

Cherian George

March 11th, 2012

The next time people encounter racist or religiously offensive speech, it would be nice to see swift responses from credible and respected civil society groups, Members of Parliament, and other ordinary citizens. If the speaker doesn’t get the message, organise boycotts, for example, and give him or her the clear message that our society isn’t going to take such offence lying down. The more we can respond ourselves through open debate and grassroots action, without the need to ask law and order to step in, the stronger our society will be. Full Story

TREmeritus' change of tack and what it means for the blogosphere

by

Cherian George

February 24th, 2012

The rebranding of Singapore’s most-read political blog – greeted almost instantly with defamation threats from members of the establishment – has sparked a debate over the wisdom of its decision to operate more openly. The case illustrates a genuine dilemma. There are at least four approaches available to those who want to engage in critical commentary, but none is obviously superior to the others. Full Story

TREmeritus apologises to Lee Hsien Loong and promises not to repeat libel

by

Cherian George

February 22nd, 2012

TREmeritus has posted an apology to the Prime Minister, two days before the deadline his lawyers gave the site to avoid being sued over a defamatory article. The site acknowledged that the PM was not involved in appointing his wife to the helm of Temasek Holdings and that he had in fact been against the idea from the outset. It is not known whether TRE acceded to the lawyers' additional demand that the site reveal to them the writer's identity. Full Story

Hard landing: TREmeritus welcomed into the open with defamation threat

by

Cherian George

February 20th, 2012

TREmeritus, better known as the former Temasek Review, has been given until 24 February to comply with instructions from lawyers acting for the Prime Minister, failing which the site’s editors could be sued for defamation. It remains to be seen whether it will eat humble pie and issue the required apology. It would not be surprising if some of its editors decide to heed the call of the wild and return to the less regulable regions of cyberspace. Full Story

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