The word 'internet' and the phrase 'information superhighway' must be among the most recent additions to the English language, and yet, in recent years, the media has been gripped by an obsession with this new technology.

Figures show a phenomenal rate of growth of subscribers to this global network world wide. The traditional 'playground' of academics is fast being overrun by commercial companies, newspapers agencies, radio stations and governmental agencies. But the most interesting phenomenon is the emergence of a large number of private resources in the form of world wide web sites operated by individuals or groups of individuals with limited physical resources. The ease and the capacity in which individuals may propagate information and to communicate to other individuals far eclipse traditional telecommunications methods. This ability of individuals to tap into the wealth of information and to conduct discussions on virtually any topic with anyone across the globe must present tremendous challenges to societies and cultures, many of which are still reeling at the shock of culture exchange in our satellite and jet age.

It is the duty and the responsibility of society to harness the potential of new technologies and to manage them responsibly. Singapore is no stranger to computer technology. In fact, it has been often claimed to be the first country, even before technologically leading nations like the US or the UK, to embrace the idea of an 'intelligent' nation with the IT2000 plan. Singapore's preoccupation with the new technology has been featured prominently in several western publications. I remember reading such a feature in a British broadsheet which was entitled 'Singapore - The Future Nation State?' and another in the New Scientist along the same vein. There is an underlying theme running through these articles that this new technology and the free and unrestrained culture of participation that it fosters may be at odds with the perceived rigid and reticent culture in Singapore. They went on to suggest that unless Singapore and its government are willing to create a more open and conducive environment for this new technology, we are at risk of losing our lead, and the opportunity to exploit the technology for our benefit.

The main question really is whether we should reinvent or mould our society to accommodate the technology or should we tame the 'monster' to our bidding.

What kind of controls and procedures legal and otherwise, if necessary, do we have at our disposal at present to manage the situation? Should we treat the internet the same way we do with traditional medium - after all, the internet does not belong in any real sense to Singapore ? Should the government expect the same 'right of reply' to apply to information and discussions present on the internet? What are the government's official views on the use of this new technology? And what do citizens of Singapore expect?

On a different level, what kind of changes have already taken place with the introduction of access to the internet by Singaporeans? Are these changes entirely beneficial?

Are we ready for it?

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