School of Creative
Industries

Tricia Chan's main thesis poster

BA(Hons) Arts Management

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NFTs and their resistance to censorship

There has been an increasing number of artists creating non-fungible token (NFT) artwork. Uploading their works to platforms such as OpenSea and Rarible allows artists to express their individuality and thoughts, while creating a digital space for artistic freedom. In Singapore, the Infocomm Media Development Agency (IMDA) issues classification ratings to categories such as films and art to ensure viewers are protected from unsuitable content. However, with NFTs, artists can upload any content they desire without any restrictions.

This paper discusses how NFTs may be censorship-resistant and how this impacts Singapore – an Asian society distinguished by its multi-religious makeup and multiculturalism. While this paper focuses on Singapore, international case studies are used to illustrate the arguments where appropriate. The research will also suggest a set of key points to allow Singapore-based artists to have a platform for freedom of expression and creativity within the bounds of Singapore law, particularly with regard to censorship and the freedom of speech.

Singapore, non-fungible tokens, artistic expression, freedom of speech, censorship, laws, regulations, freedom of expression

NFTs censorship resistant, censorship or non-censorship of NFTs may affect Singapore, impact of Singapore if NFTs were not subjected to censorship

Tricia Chan

Tricia Chan

Tricia aspires to be an arts manager in both the arts and event industries. Active in arts and events management since 2017, she has honed her skills in event management, outreach and publicity through a variety of internships and part-time jobs.  

Tricia enjoys deepening her familiarity with Singapore's performing arts scene through her internship at Nine Years Theatre and past job experience at Singapore Repertory Theatre. She hopes to inspire others to appreciate the arts in Singapore.

Work experience

Nov 2020 – Present
Singapore Repertory Theatre
Front of house crew

Aug – Oct 2022
Singapore Grand Prix Formula 1
Site operations assistant

May – Jun 2022
Nine Years Theatre
Publicity and stage crew intern

Sep 2021 – Apr 2022
Project Rediscover
Researcher