Podcasting will not be allowed during elections as it does not
fall under the "positive list" which states what is allowed under
election advertising.
Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and the
Arts Balaji Sadasivan added that streaming of videos during
campaigning would also be prohibited.
He was addressing a question in Parliament on Monday about the use
of new technologies on the internet during hustings.
Pictures of candidates, party histories and manifestos are on the
"positive list" and are allowed to be used as election advertising
on the internet.
Newer internet tools like podcasting do not fall within this
"positive list".
Dr Balaji said: "There are also some well-known local blogs run by
private individuals who have ventured into podcasting. The content
of some of these podcasts can be quite entertaining. However, the
streaming of explicit political content by individuals during the
election period is prohibited under the Election Advertising
Regulations. A similar prohibition would apply to the videocasting
or video streaming of explicitly political content."
The Parliamentary Election Act was amended in 2001 to allow
political parties to advertise on the internet.
This was to ensure responsible use of the internet during
campaigning as the free-for all environment of the internet is open
to abuse.
Dr Balaji added that individual bloggers can discuss politics, but
have to register with the Media Development Agency if they
persistently promote political views.
When registered, they're then not allowed to advertise during
elections - something only political parties, candidates and
election agents are allowed to do only.
Despite new internet technology, there're no plans to change the
law on campaigning on line during an election.
The government's view is that people can have diverse views, but
should not hide behind the anonymity of the internet, to manipulate
public opinion. - CNA/ch
