Merger of Singapore Infocomm and Media Regulators

The Info-communications Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) will be merging to form the Infocommunications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) as the new regulator for the infocomm and media sectors.  The IDA and MDA reorganisation will commence from 1 April 2016.  However, the IMDA is expected to be established and fully operational in the second half of 2016.

The IMDA will also implement the Infocomm Media 2025 Masterplan, which sets out Singapore’s roadmap for sustained growth and improved quality of life through technology, infocomm and media development.  In addition, the IMDA will be overseeing the Personal Data Protection Commission, which is the agency tasked with safeguarding private organisations’ use of personal data.

Consequent to the merger, it is expected that the laws, regulations and licensing procedures affecting the infocomm and media sectors will be streamlined to, amongst others, apply a more holistic approach in regulating traditional and online telecoms and media operators.  The IDA and MDA have already been considering possible amendments to the Telecommunications Act, Broadcasting Act and Films Act.

The merger will also make it easier for businesses providing bundled telecoms and media services as they will only need to liaise with the IMDA, instead of the IDA and MDA separately.

The formation of the IMDA also coincides with the establishment of the new Government Technology Organisation, which will spearhead the development of new technology, improved digital services and strong cyber security measures for the public sector.