Infocomm Media Development Authority
Statutory board of the Singapore government
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History
The Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS) was the statutory board that acted as the national regulator and promoter of the telecommunication and postal industries in Singapore. Prior to 1992, the TAS also managed postal and telecommunications services until Singtel and Singapore Post were split off from the board as corporatised entities.
In 1999, the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) was formed in 1999 from the merger of the TAS and National Computer Board (NCB).
Following the passing of the Info-communications Media Development Authority Bill in Parliament on 16 August 2016, the IDA and the Media Development Authority (MDA) were restructured and merged into the IMDA with effect from 30 September that year.
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Digital Content and Capability Development programme
In June 2026, IMDA launched the four-year Digital Content and Capability Development programme, a S$48 million fund for accredited Singapore media firms to produce Singapore-centric content and experiment with formats and technologies such as short-form episodic content and AI-assisted production workflows.
Key functions
IMDA provides numerous programmes, policies and grants that cater to industries and communities. IMDA also protects consumers' privacy through the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC). Since 2019, IMDA administrates the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act 2019 through the dedicated POFMA Office.
In July 2026, IMDA introduced voluntary transparency guidelines for public-facing generative AI chatbots. The guidelines encourage chatbot deployers to provide an information card, either through a dedicated webpage or disclosure document, summarising the chatbot's capabilities and limitations, reliability and safety, handling of user data, and procedures for raising concerns or reporting problems. IMDA recommended that the information be written in plain language and kept accessible and up to date.
Classifications
There are classification systems for the following types of media: films, TV programs, video games, and arts entertainment (e.g., theatrical productions). Films and TV programs both use the same rating system. Free-to-air TV content must also adhere to additional restrictions, as outlined in Section 5 of the Content Code.
Following a later-lifted ban of the video game Mass Effect in November 2007 for containing a same-sex romance scene, IMDA announced that a new classification system for games will be put in place early 2008. Since April 2008, video games that are sold in Singapore are required to undergo classification.
As of 2022, there are 2 ratings for video games: Mature 18 and Advisory 16. Games without contentious content fall within the “General” category, and they do not require Singapore-specific rating labels. Games only need to be classified if they are physically sold in Singapore. However, some digital storefronts like Steam may display the classification rating to local users if one is available.