Computer Online Service Licence
The Computer Online Service Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for online news websites in Singapore that report on local news and current affairs and meet specific traffic criteria. Validity is agency-confirmed, with processing times available on the agency's website.
- Processing time
- available on the agency's website
- Issuing authority
- INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)
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Who needs the Computer Online Service Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
What's involved in getting the Computer Online Service Licence
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Computer Online Service Licence enables an online news website to legally operate in Singapore, provided it meets specific reporting and traffic criteria. This licence is essential for businesses aiming to publish news content and engage with a local audience.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, the online news website must demonstrate that it publishes at least one article per week on Singapore’s news and current affairs over a two-month period. Additionally, the site must receive visits from at least 50,000 unique IP addresses from Singapore each month during the same timeframe. A Business Profile Report is also required, detailing the registered address, paid-up share capital, shareholders, and directors of the business. This report is only valid for three months from the application date.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) assesses whether the online news website meets the necessary criteria before issuing a formal notification to apply for the Computer Online Service Licence. This assessment involves reviewing the website's content and traffic data to ensure compliance with the licensing requirements.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Computer Online Service Licence can stall for several reasons. A common issue is failing to meet the required traffic threshold of 50,000 unique IP addresses from Singapore. Additionally, if the website does not consistently publish articles on Singaporean news and current affairs, it may not qualify for the licence. Incomplete documentation, such as an outdated Business Profile Report, can also lead to delays in the application process.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Business Profile Report
- This should show your business’:
- Registered address
- Paid-up share capital
- Shareholders
- Directors
- The report is only valid three months from the application date.
Computer Online Service Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating my online news website?
Yes, if your online news website meets the criteria of publishing at least one article per week on Singapore’s news and current affairs and receiving at least 50,000 unique IP addresses from Singapore each month, you will need the Computer Online Service Licence to operate legally.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your online news website can legally publish news articles and engage with the Singaporean audience, enhancing your credibility and allowing you to operate without legal concerns.
What happens if I operate without this licence?
Operating without the Computer Online Service Licence can lead to legal repercussions, including fines or the shutdown of your website. It is crucial to obtain the licence if your website meets the necessary criteria.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is failing to meet the traffic requirement of 50,000 unique IP addresses from Singapore. Additionally, not consistently publishing articles on local news and current affairs can also lead to rejection.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, a foreign-owned company can hold the Computer Online Service Licence, provided it meets the necessary criteria for licensing as outlined by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
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