By James Konstantin Galvez ( May 11, 2026, 03:56 GMT | Insight) -- Singapore has passed amendments to the Info-communications Media Development Authority Act, expanding oversight of ownership and control changes involving key media entities and strengthening powers to address unfair market conduct. The changes require IMDA approval for acquisitions involving 30 percent or more equity or voting power in regulated persons, while allowing intervention even without breaches of existing competition rules. The amendments also streamline treatment of immaterial transactions, preserve appeal safeguards and align aspects of media regulation more closely with Singapore’s telecommunications framework.Singapore has passed amendments to the Info-communications Media Development Authority Act, broadening regulatory oversight of ownership and control changes involving key media entities and giving the Infocomm Media Development Authority, or IMDA, expanded powers to intervene against unfair market conduct and protect consumers in the media sector.The amendments align parts of Singapore’s media competition and consumer protection framework more closely with the telecommunications regime and introduce revised mechanisms governing acquisitions, market conduct and regulatory enforcement.Closing the second reading debate in Parliament on May 7, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How said the amendments were “technical in nature” but necessary to ensure Singapore’s regulatory framework remains “effective and forward looking” amid changes in digital media and communications markets.“They strengthen our regulatory toolkit to ensure fair competition and market conduct in the media sector, and protect consumers’ interests,” Tan said.The amendments were tabled in Parliament on April 6 and passed on May 7.— Acquisition oversight broadened —Under the amendments, IMDA approval will be required where any person acquires 30 percent or more of the equity interests or voting power in a regulated person, gains effective control over its operations, or takes over its media business as a going concern.The government said the broadened approval framework was intended to strengthen oversight of ownership developments involving key media entities and address potential gaps as market structures evolve, including through corporate arrangements such as business trusts.Under the bill, regulated persons include corporations publishing newspapers under newspaper permits, broadcasting-licence holders and entities whose businesses are regulated under broadcasting licences.Tan said the amendments were aimed at dominant market players rather than smaller media operators.“The bill aims to target large players that are dominant and to make sure they don’t abuse the position of dominance,” he said.The amendments also introduce a new Section 61A empowering IMDA to issue directions where necessary to maintain fair market conduct and effective competition, or to safeguard consumer interests, even where there is no direct breach of the IMDA Act or the Telecom and Media Competition Code.Tan said the powers were “neither a catch-all nor unconstrained” and would be subject to safeguards, including prior written notice and opportunities for affected parties to make representations before directions are issued.The amendments also replace the requirement for prior written approval for immaterial transactions involving regulated persons with a notification-based regime, a change the government said would reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining oversight.— Telecom-style powers extended to media sector —Several amendments mirror existing provisions under Singapore’s Telecommunications Act, including definitions relating to “associate” and “effective control,” powers allowing the IMDA to require divestment in certain circumstances and ministerial authority to order structural separation of regulated entities.Tan said powers under the new Section 69A allowing structural separation orders would only be exercised in exceptional circumstances and as a “last resort.”He said three legal conditions must be satisfied before such an order can be issued: the existence of a qualifying market condition, evidence that conventional regulatory remedies have been exhausted or are inadequate and a determination by the minister that intervention is in the public interest.“These legal requirements must be satisfied, and no single requirement alone is sufficient,” Tan said.The minister noted that equivalent powers under the Telecommunications Act have “never been exercised to-date.”The amendments also revise provisions governing “essential resources,” allowing the IMDA to publish notices not only in the Government Gazette but also on its website and through direct notifications to affected parties.Tan said the changes were intended to improve transparency and industry engagement rather than expand the substantive scope of the powers.— Consumer protection, appeals framework retained —The amendments preserve existing reconsideration and appeal mechanisms, allowing affected parties to seek reconsideration by IMDA or appeal decisions to the minister. Judicial review through the courts also remains available.“Taken together, this framework provides multiple levels of checks and safeguards for a regulatory decision,” Tan said.The government framed the amendments as part of broader efforts to maintain fair competition, protect consumers and ensure Singapore’s regulatory framework remains adaptable as telecommunications, streaming and digital media markets continue to converge.Tan said the reforms would help maintain “a competitive, dynamic, and fair” media market while supporting “reasonable prices, and a vibrant information environment for every Singaporean.”The parliamentary debate also touched on workforce implications arising from mergers or restructuring in the media sector. Tan said the Ministry of Digital Development and Information and the IMDA would continue working with the National Trades Union Congress and industry unions to support affected workers during organizational changes.He also reiterated the IMDA’s role in supporting media-sector development through initiatives including international co-production programs and foreign engagement efforts for local media companies and content creators.Please email editors@mlex.com to contact the editorial staff regarding this story, or to submit the names of lawyers and advisers....