In Philippines and Singapore, one man’s fake news is another man’s free speech
In a region where censorship is rife, beware the power of vaguely worded legislation
For Filipino satirist Raden Payas, there is a clear line between what he writes and the fake news phenomenon that is sweeping across the globe.
His articles lampooning politicians’ eating habits and referencing the sexual exploits of political pundits are not meant to be taken at face value, he insists, but instead are social commentary.
“There are fake news items that are not offensive and can make people laugh, they are just fake humour articles, they’re satirical,” he says.
As officials in Southeast Asia look to stop the spread of fake news by passing laws that carry stiff penalties – including prison time – free speech activists worry that, because what constitutes fake news is not clearly defined, legislation could stifle voices like Payas’ in a region where more and more media seems to toe the party line. But Payas isn’t worried about the proposed laws. He thinks they are a good idea.
Would a fatwa stop Indonesia’s ‘fake news’?
“I have no problem with that,” he says. “I believe it will be hard for lawmakers to pass a bill on this. But then again, fake news that can destroy someone’s reputation is another story.”