THE Government's light-touch approach to regulate the Internet has served Singapore well, and this has led to much public discourse and buzz in cyberspace, said Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lee Boon Yang.

'It has helped to foster the growth of the Internet and allowed us to tap its vast potential while enabling us to protect our society from its undesirable impact,' said Dr Lee in his written reply to a question in Parliament on Monday from Madam Ho Geok Choo (West Coast GRC), who had asked for the measures taken to regulate political views on the Internet.

Dr Lee said his ministry recognised that technology had evolved rapidly since the light-touch approach was introduced in 1996 to regulate the Internet.

Under this light-touch approach, anyone can set up a website, including political websites where views, including political ones, are articulated freely.

'Many young Singaporeans, in particular, own blogs or participate in some form of activities on various new media platforms, be it Facebook, YouTube or Wikipedia. There is much public discourse and buzz in cyberspace,' noted Dr Lee.

He said the Government is reviewing the Internet regulation and is seeking the views of the Advisory Council on the Impact of New Media on Society (AIMS) that was set up last year to study the new media and its impact on society.

Replying to another question from Mr Baey Yam Keng (Tanjong Pagar GRC), who had asked if Mica would consider issuing press passes to online news sites, Dr Lee said currently, about 1,500 press passes are issued to about 80 media organisations operating in Singapore.

More than 90 per cent of these organisations also have an on-line presence.

'A press pass facilitates news gathering but it does not guarantee the quality of reporting in any media,' he said.

'New media players, who are serious in wanting to appeal to readers in the long run, must deliver fast, credible and accurate information with sharp and intelligent analyses.

'The tested formula to inform, educate and entertain readers has relevance for today's new media as much as with the traditional media.'