From May 2017, Singapore public servants will not be able to access Internet from their computers. This move will affect about 100,000 computers. According to the news, this move is “aimed at plugging potential leaks from work e-mail and shared documents amid heightened security threats”. I have to read a few articles to confirm the news. Are we back to the 90s?
While Singapore has been talking about Smart Nation, it seems that it cannot get away from the fact that with technology, there are other “technological” threats that follow. However, instead of curbing them or finding solutions to resolve them, it chose the “fastest” and “easiest” way – Cut off communication with the outside world.
From Straits Times,
A memo is going out to all government agencies, ministries and statutory boards here about the Internet blockade a year from now, The Straits Times has learnt.
There are some 100,000 computers in use by the public service and all of them will be affected.
If the news is accurate, they still allow employees to forward work related emails to private accounts, if needed. Some may think that it is counter-productive and lack security too, since information can still be leaked out. In my opinion, I think that our Government just needs trace-ability. In the event of investigation, they can narrow down the search fast.
Nevertheless, I still do not believe this is the best solution. For example, teachers or researchers will always need the Internet to research subjects or to find materials for their work. With the new regulation, it will definitely impact their productivity. Don’t you think so?
In the report, it says that dedicated Internet terminals will be issued to those who need them for work. This is something I would expect maybe 10 to 20 years ago but if it is to be implemented in Government agencies, I think our Smart Nation is not that Smart anymore. Here is an excerpt from our Smart Nation site.
By harnessing ICT, networks and data, the Smart Nation vision seeks to support better living, create more opportunities, and support stronger communities.
This is a whole-of-nation journey Singapore is embarking on. To succeed, we need people, businesses and Government to work together because ultimately, citizens are at the heart of our Smart Nation vision, and not technology.
We are putting in place the infrastructure, policies, ecosystem and capabilities to enable a Smart Nation. We are also encouraging a culture of experimentation and building, and working with citizens and companies to co-create solutions.
These could range from innovations impacting how we travel, where we live, our daily transactions, and how we support the lifelong needs of our citizens. Who knows? Some of these innovations may also address challenges faced by many cities and countries!
Of course, I can imagine our Government response to this “cut the Internet” project. This might be their response, in my opinion 🙂 :
We will carry out trial on selected agencies early next year and to gather their feedback. There is no change to our Smart Nation vision and we are on track. Along the way, new regulations are being implemented to enhance security and the overall experiences. With recent threats across the globe, it is inevitable that certain measures have to be in place to prevent them. We welcome all feedback.
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