JournalismPakistan.com | Published last year
Join our WhatsApp channel
SINGAPORE—Singapore’s newly enacted privacy laws are set to have a profound impact on media operations in the country. The Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024 introduces stricter regulations on data collection, usage, and storage, aiming to protect consumers’ privacy rights in the digital age.
Media organizations must now implement more robust data protection measures and obtain explicit consent from users before collecting personal information. The new legislation is expected to challenge existing media practices, prompting a shift towards more transparent and secure data handling procedures.
The amended act outlines several key provisions that media companies must adhere to, including the need for comprehensive data protection policies and the appointment of data protection officers to oversee compliance. These officers will be responsible for ensuring that all data handling processes align with the new regulatory standards and that any data breaches are promptly reported to the relevant authorities and affected individuals.
In addition to these measures, the law mandates regular data protection impact assessments for any new projects or technologies that involve personal data processing. This proactive approach is designed to identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies before any issues arise, thereby enhancing the overall security framework.
The enforcement of these regulations is supported by the introduction of significant fines and penalties for non-compliance. Companies found to be in violation of the data protection laws can face substantial financial penalties, which serves as a strong deterrent against lax data handling practices. This aspect of the law is intended to underscore the importance of data privacy and the serious consequences of failing to protect user information.
Furthermore, the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024 encourages a culture of accountability and transparency within media organizations. By requiring clear communication with users about how their data is collected, used, and stored, the law aims to build greater trust between consumers and media entities. Users are granted enhanced rights to access their personal data and request corrections or deletions, empowering them to take control of their information.
As media companies adapt to these new regulations, they are expected to invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies and staff training programs to ensure compliance. These efforts will not only help them meet legal requirements but also improve their overall data governance and resilience against cyber threats.
The enactment of Singapore’s updated privacy laws reflects a broader global trend towards stricter data protection standards, as governments worldwide respond to increasing concerns about digital privacy. The changes are anticipated to influence regulatory approaches in other countries, particularly within Asia, as nations look to Singapore as a model for balancing innovation with robust data protection.
October 29, 2025: In a historic first, a Bishkek court declares Kloop, Temirov Live, and their founders extremist, marking Kyrgyzstan’s sharpest assault on press freedom under President Japarov.
October 27, 2025: IFJ and over 300 global unions urge ASEAN to reject the Myanmar junta’s sham 2025 election, calling it an illegal attempt to legitimize military rule.
October 23, 2025: IFJ and NUJP condemn the killing of Filipino broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar in Albay, urging swift justice and stronger protections for journalists in the Philippines.
October 17, 2025: Afghan media worker Abdul Zahir Safi was killed in Kabul, the second journalist slain in two days amid rising Afghanistan-Pakistan border tensions.
October 16, 2025: Afghan journalist Abdul Ghafoor Abed was killed and another was injured while covering Taliban-Pakistan border clashes, prompting the IFJ to demand protection for media.
September 30, 2025: Indonesia restores CNN journalist’s access after revoking it over questions on Prabowo’s free meal programme that sickened 6,000 children, sparking press freedom concerns.
September 29, 2025: The body of journalist Rajeev Pratap, missing for 10 days in Uttarkashi, was found in the Bhagirathi River on September 28. Family alleges threats and foul play.
September 24, 2025: Border News Agency reporter Mu Dra was abducted in Maungdaw on Sept 20; CPJ demands her release and warns this attack endangers press freedom in Rakhine state.
October 29, 2025 Babar Azam's form slump reveals a psychological battle between classical artistry and modern cricket demands. Inside the mind of Pakistan's maestro, struggling to rediscover flow.
October 29, 2025 The New York Times is accepting applications for its 2025 fellowship, a one-year journalism training program for emerging reporters, editors, and visual journalists. Deadline: November 19, 2025.
October 29, 2025 CPJ calls on Turkey to release journalist Merdan Yanardag and return control of TELE1, after his arrest on espionage charges and state media takeover.
October 29, 2025 Alfred Friendly Press Partners invites exiled journalists in the US to apply for its 2026 four-week fellowship offering training, support, and a $2,000 stipend.
October 28, 2025 Harvard University opens 2026 Nieman Fellowship applications for journalists worldwide. Apply by December 1, 2025 (international) or January 31, 2026 (U.S.) to join the prestigious program.