SINGAPORE — The Singaporean government on Friday shut off access to two adult websites in what it called a “symbolic statement” about the country’s social values.Government officials declined to name the sites, but local media identified them as YouPorn and RedTube, both so-called “tube” sites that allow users to upload and view homemade and studio-made sexually explicit video.
Singapore does not allow residents to make, distribute or possess pornography. Authorities characterized the website banning as protective of children.
“It should be noted that the hardcore pornographic videos posted on these sites are very easily accessible by the young, as each video will start streaming for free once a user clicks on the related link,” Jason Hoong, an official with Singapore’s Media Development Authority, told Reuters.
The two sites brought to 100 the number of banned websites on a list of “mass impact objectionable” porn destinations maintained by the government. The MDA said the sites were placed off-limits based on feedback from the public.
Not all members of the public agreed with the decision, however. Users at online forums almost immediately vented their frustration with the government’s approach to morality enforcement.
“I will definitely surf the internet by proxy from now on, to be defiant so as to preserve my rights,” one user wrote.
