Responsible Freedom of Expression – What are the legal implications?

Until recently, many students were unaware of the legal implications of expression of views in the
media. With increasing use of the internet, corresponding to a significant surge in blog sites and in a
new-age environment where “responsible freedom of expression” is touted and encouraged, there is
an urgent need for students to be kept informed and be aware of their responsibility.

The Student Affairs Office, working in conjunction with the Students’ Union, sought advice from
Ms Tay Hsiu Chieh (Director-Legal and Secretariat Office, NTU) to clarify issues for the benefit of
our students. In consultation with Mr Lau Kok Keng (Head, iTec Practice Group at Rajah & Tann), a
list of “Do’s and Don’ts” on the rules for internet postings were compiled.

Do's
- Comply with all NTU Rules & Regulations for Students, including the NTU CITS Rules for
Student User Accounts
- When blogging or posting, write about events as they happened and as accurately as possible
- Make positive or neutral comments about other people that will not affect their reputation or
insult them
- If comments are in any way derogatory, stick to the truth that can be proven, and try not to refer
to any particular person by name or in a manner that will cause his/her identity to be made
obvious or known
- If comments are your own opinions, ensure they are honest opinions of facts that concern
matters of public interest (eg. where a crime has been committed)
- Ensure any music, text or picture that you share on your blog/website is either free from
copyright, or the consent of the copyright owner has been obtained for the posting
- Otherwise, use no more than 10% of it. In addition, the portion used must be insignificant
compared to the entire song, video or literary work

Don'ts
- Make comments about people based on rumours, especially if they are derogatory
- Make false statements against people if it may cause them any harm
- Make racist comments or any comments that incite hatred among Singaporeans
- Make seditious comments
- Make comments that cause hatred or dissatisfaction about the Singapore justice system.
- Assume that you cannot be identified when you post content on online forums/blogs/message
boards from your computer with a nickname - you can be identified!!
- Put links to copyrighted songs or share the songs on your website/blogsite
- Use copyrighted images from other websites on your website as background or share them!
- Post obscene, vulgar, distasteful, sexually suggestive, abusive or offensive content in any form
- Create webpages / blogs containing information regarding politics and religion, unless you
have acquired proper licences from the Media Development Authority AND the written
approval of the University

Caveat Emptor!

By Mr Lau Kok Keng of Rajah & Tan LLP