Singapore’s controversial ‘fake news’ law comes into effect as election looms
- The law imposes a hefty penalty on those convicted of being purveyors of fake news through the use of false online accounts
- Individuals can be fined up to S$100,000 (US$72,108) or jailed up to 10 years, or both, while companies can be slapped with fines of up to S$1 million
The “Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act” was passed in May after just two days of debate in a legislature heavily dominated by the ruling party. The law stipulates any government minister has the prerogative to decide what constitutes a “false statement of fact” and initiate action.
It imposes a hefty penalty on those convicted of being purveyors of fake news through the use of false online accounts. Individuals can be fined up to S$100,000 (US$72,108) or jailed up to 10 years, or both, while companies can be slapped with fines of up to S$1 million.
It empowers the government to issue a “correction direction” to compel those who post such content online to post a correction and to stop spreading the information.
The legislation will require online media platforms, including social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, to carry corrections or remove content the government considers to be false.
The government can also order internet service providers or intermediary service providers to block access to offending websites or be fined up to S$20,000 for each day up to a maximum of S$500,000.
As the law states “rules of professional conduct” cannot be used as a defence for not complying with any directive to stop such information flows, it implies even journalists will be affected.