The Online Citizen Facebook page came alive once again, as the Editor-in-Chief announced the comeback of the once controversial socio-political website.
“Dear supporters, past, present, and future, we are back,” wrote Mr. Xu, sparking conversations around The Online Citizen Re-launch. This declaration set off waves of anticipation for the TOC Return that has been in limbo for a year.
“There will not be any daily news reportage from TOC as the site will now focus on providing commentaries and analysis on current affairs in the Asian region.
I am currently overseas and will be relocating to Taiwan to start up a news media outlet which will provide daily news coverage in Asia.”
On Sept 14, 2021, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) suspended TOC’s class license, requiring it to stop posting content on its website and social media channels by 3 pm on Sept 16.
TOC was taken offline on the morning of Sept 16, 2021, ahead of the deadline it was given.
The IMDA had accused the website of repeatedly failing to comply with its legal obligation to declare all sources of funding since mid-2020, leading to the unprecedented IMDA and TOC controversy.
In his most recent Facebook post, however, Mr. Xu said that Singapore’s courts had “made clear” that TOC is not prohibited from operating from outside of Singapore.
TOC’s operations and social media platform were transferred to a new company registered in Taiwan and the old entity is in the midst of closure, he added, further elucidating the strategy behind The Online Citizen Re-launch.
“We are pleased to be back and look forward to serving you as an independent media platform once more.”
More details about TOC’s re-launching are to be announced on The Online Citizen Facebook page, giving subscribers something to look forward to.
The IMDA said in a statement that the website had repeatedly failed to comply with its legal obligation to declare all sources of funding since around the middle of 2020.
In his most recent Facebook post, however, Mr Xu said that Singapore’s courts had “made clear” that TOC is not prohibited from operating from outside of Singapore.
TOC’s operations and social media platform were transferred to a new company registered in Taiwan and the old entity is in the midst of closure, he added.
“We are pleased to be back and look forward to serving you as an independent media platform once more.”
He added that other details about TOC’s re-launching are to be announced later.
In its statement last year, the IMDA threatened to take enforcement action against TOC if it did not give good reasons for repeatedly failing to declare all its funding sources for the previous year.
It added that despite reminders and extensions, TOC had not done so, and asked TOC to explain its non-compliance.
The IMDA explained that registered Internet content providers, such as TOC, which engage in the promotion or discussion of political issues relating to Singapore online, are “required to be transparent” about their sources of funding.
Mr Xu said on Sept 28, 2021, that TOC would not submit any other information to the IMDA.
In this new era of TOC Return, it’s clear that the past controversies are not forgotten, but rather used as stepping stones towards a more transparent and independent media platform. The anticipated The Online Citizen Re-launch marks a new chapter, one that looks forward to renewed dedication to providing valuable and impactful socio-political commentary and analysis. /TISG/TISG