Internet restrictions?

[AuntieMabel]

I'm considering a move to Singapore, and this site's been really helpful at answering the (many) questions I have about practicalities. Thanks!

But I have one fairly specific question. My husband is a journalist working in the 'lifestyle sector'. This means that he often has to write about adult topics like sex and drugs, and needs to be able to access material many would consider dodgy online.

I'm aware Singapore is quite an authoritarian country in many respects so lots of things are banned. Does that extend to internet access?

[Nihility]

I'm not currently based in Singapore but am aware that the government do censor some websites, mainly pornography (and possible internet news sources from Malaysia) although the latter is speculative and may only apply to newspapers.

If your husband is concerned about accessing such material, I'd advise him to look into a Virtual Private Network or VPN. These are commonly used throughout the world and provide a level of privacy when browsing. I am currently based in China and with the heavy censorship that occurs here, my VPN has been a wonderfully affordable way to circumvent the internet restrictions.

With regards to VPNs and their legality in Singapore, those who live there will better be able to provide information.

[zzm9980]

There is a symbolic list of 100 sites that are blocked. Playboy and some of the various porn *tubes are on it. So is Ashley Madison. You can google a bit for discussions about the list. You can also get a VPN service. Not illegal here.

[rajagainstthemachine]

Note the use of the word symbolic here.. You can get around to watching porn using proxies etc.. However I don't think the content restriction is that strong so as to shut down a large portion of categories op just alluded to.

[nutnut]

Yes, the way to get through it is using a proxy if he requires access to the sites that are blocked, they tend to be pornography more than anything else.

Is your husband moving to Singapore for his work? If so then it's probably fine, but, if he is continuing "freelance" journalism for foreign press and being paid elsewhere, he may have some issue with taxes and visas. Just a thought, look into it more if he falls into the latter case.

Cheers

[AuntieMabel]

Thanks all - I'll look into proxies as it is largely pornographic material he needs to access.

We're moving with my work (much less interesting: banking). Husband works freelance for magazines and newspapers in the UK, which he would continue to do through his own UK company. I started another thread under moving about the visa issue, but any info you have would be helpful.

We're looking now at me moving full time and him travelling between the two, so he can keep his freelance work in the UK. It's theoretically possible for him to work out of Singapore, but need to work through issues like Internet access, visas, tax, etc. So this thread is really to work out how feasible it is for him to do his existing freelance work there.

As much of the material he works on is probably not approved of in Singapore it might prove easier all round for him to work in the UK and be a house husband when he comes over.

[the lynx]

Like what some poster advised here, you can apply for Dependent Pass for him, linked to your Employment Pass, so that he can come whenever he wants. As long as his work is in UK and he is paid in UK, it shouldn't be illegal.