BLOGGERS and users of other new media may soon have to say so upfront if they receive gifts or money for their write-ups.

The Media Development Authority (MDA) has said it is looking at stricter disclosure rules.

Its deputy director for development policy, Ms Yuvarani Thangavelu, says such regulations will protect consumers by enabling them to make an informed assessment about what they read.

She did not give a timeframe for when such rules would kick in; neither did she reveal the likely penalties for flouting them, nor how they would be enforced.

Just last week, it was announced in the United States that from Dec 1, bloggers will have to make 'clear and conspicuous' disclosures if, for example, they write a restaurant review after having been treated to a feast there.

The penalty for flouting this rule in blogs or postings in Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube: A fine of US$11,000 (S$15,360).