Singapore fights ‘fake news’, and tech giants like Facebook aren’t happy
- Asia Internet Coalition, an industry association whose members include Facebook, Google and Twitter, says proposed law poses significant risks to freedom of expression and speech
- Singapore’s law and home affairs minister insists the law targets ‘false statements of fact’ - not opinions, nor criticisms
Tech giants have reacted with horror after Singapore proposed laws against “fake news” allowing authorities to order the removal of content and impose hefty fines, in what critics say is an assault on free speech.
If an action is deemed malicious and damaging to Singapore’s interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to S$1 million (US$740,000). Individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years.
Authorities in the tightly-controlled country - long criticised for restricting civil liberties - insist the measures are necessary to stop the circulation of falsehoods which could sow divisions in the multi-ethnic city state.
But press freedom groups condemned the proposals, saying they could stifle online discussion, as did tech companies which have big investments in the ultra-modern city.
“As the most far-reaching legislation of its kind to date, this level of overreach poses significant risks to freedom of expression and speech,” said the Asia Internet Coalition, an industry association whose members include Facebook, Google and Twitter.