Over the past few weeks, one of the biggest issue which Singapore netizens are actively debating is the attempted launch of extramarital dating website Ashley Madison in Singapore, as well as its banning by the Media Development Authority of Singapore.
The website, which facilitates married dating, discreet encounters and extramarital affairs, had opened up the Singapore site for users to express their interest in its services, but is now rendered inaccessible by the Singapore government, saying that it goes against “family values and public morality”.
Minister for Social and Family Development, Chan Chun Sing also said that he is against any company or website that harms marriage. Promoting infidelity undermines trust and commitment between a husband and wife, which are core to marriage.
Other than the minister, an independent Facebook page was also set up to call for the banning of the site. More than 27,000 have clicked “Like” on the Facebook page “Block Ashley Madison” since it was launched on 23 October. On 12th November, the government banned the site in Singapore.
Of course, what do Singaporeans think of the Singapore government’s ban on Ashley Madison?
Majority of Singaporean netizen rejoiced over the decision to ban the site.
Of course, there are always two sides of a coin. According to Gabriel Seah, he thinks that the ban is a silly move.
Here’s what Yong Zhengyu, Jason Wang, Jeremy Goh and another Quora user who chose to remain anonymous have to say about the ban.
The Canada-based website, which boasts more than 20 million users and is notorious for its slogan “Life is short. Have an affair”. It has been aggressively expanding in Asia, with recent launches in Japan, India and Hong Kong.
So whose side are you on? Are you supportive of the ban? If you are amongst those who want to try out Ashley Madison, there’s a browser plugin that allows you to bypass the mda censor which blocks the Ashley Madison site.
Maybe you should try installing it.
Read also: Singapore’s digital Robin Hood nullifies government’s effort to block Pirate Bay
