Undesirable Publications Act

The UPA looks after matters relating to the importation, distribution or reproduction of undesirable publications.^[1] Together with the Penal Code, Films Act and the Children and Young Persons Act, the UPA law also seeks to protect all persons, including children, from being exploited for pornography especially child pornography.^[2] Under the UPA, it may be a punishable offence to make, sell or distribute objectionable publications, including calendars.^[3]

Other than pornography,^[4] objectionable publication that may also fall under the jurisdiction of the UPA include those that offend racial and religious harmony on the island, e.g. hate speech.^[5] If a work concerns any race or religion in a certain manner such that feelings of enmity, hatred, or hostility were to be aroused, this very publication may be deemed objectionable as well.^[6]

Anti-colonial and Communist material were once banned by the UPA, but the ban has since been lifted after a review by the Media Development Authority (MDA).^[7] Review of gazetted publications are conducted in consultation with the Publications Consultative Panel,^[8] whereas 17 publications, mostly pornographic that still remain officially prohibited in Singapore may include:^[9]

1. All publications by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
2. All publications by International Bible Students Association
3. Playboy
4. Swank
5. Girls of Penthouse
6. Gallery
7. Elite
8. Penthouse
9. Men Only
10. Genesis
11. Playgirl
12. Velvet
13. Mayfair
14. Fiesta
15. Hustler
16. Knave
17. Cheri

A grey area of this law may be that of taking and keeping photos of oneself having sex. Taking photographs or videos of oneself having sex or of others without taking payment is not against the law, however, dissemination of such materials is an infringement of the UPA.^[10]