| Agency Name: | Infocomm Media Development Authority |
| Preceding1: | Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) |
| Preceding2: | Media Development Authority (MDA) |
| Jurisdiction: | Government of Singapore |
| Budget: | S$34 million (2011) |
| Headquarters: | 10 Pasir Panjang Road, #03-01, Mapletree Business City, Singapore 117438 |
| Chief1 Name: | Chan Yeng Kit |
| Chief1 Position: | Chairman |
| Chief2 Name: | Lew Chuen Hong |
| Chief2 Position: | CEO[1] |
| Parent Agency: | Ministry of Digital Development and Information |
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is a statutory board under the Singapore Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).
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.[2]
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.[3] [4]
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).[5] [6]
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.[7]
Following a controversy in November 2007, in which the government banned the video game Mass Effect,[12] and then unbanned it a day later,[13] over concerns that the game featured homosexuality, the IMDA announced that it would create a new classification system for games in early 2008.[14] Therefore, starting from April 2008, video games that were sold in Singapore were required to undergo classification.
As of 2022, there are 2 ratings in the classification system. A "General" decision also exists, where those games 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 IMDA rating to Singaporean users if one is present.
| Advisory 16(ADV16) | Suitable for individuals who are at least 16 years old. Unlike the NC16 rating, this is an advisory rating, and is not legally enforced. | |||
| Mature 18(M18) | No official badge after July 2021 | Restricted to individuals who are at least 18 years old. This is legally enforced, and customers who attempt to purchase these games must present photo identification. Prior to July 2021, the distributor needed to purchase official labels from IMDA - today, distributors can simply self-print the labels. |