Explainer | Explained: fake news in Asia
- Several Asian countries rely heavily on social media for information, making them particularly vulnerable to the spread of fake news
The term “fake news” became widespread after the 2016 US elections but it resonates widely in Asia.
What is fake news and how does it affect Asia?
According to PolitiFact, fake news is “made-up stuff, masterfully manipulated to look like credible journalistic reports that are easily spread online to large audiences”.
Although disinformation has always existed, a range of new tools such as social media and messaging apps have made it easier to spread falsehoods.
The phenomenon has had severe consequences across the globe, from shifting voters’ stances to causing violence among ethnic groups.
Asia, where social media has already become the main source of news, is vulnerable to the spread of fake news as several episodes have proven.
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How are countries confronting fake news?
Countries in Southeast Asia are trying to fight fake news through new regulation and campaigns to improve media literacy among their citizens.
In Singapore, a parliamentary committee asked in 2018 to consider legislation aiming both to those responsible of fake news and technology companies giving a platform to those voices. The law would also carry criminal penalties for perpetrators.
Are all these efforts welcome?
Advocacy groups have long warned of the possible negative impact on freedom of speech that legislating against fake news might have.
How WhatsApp is trying to solve its fake news problem in India
The bill, approved amid a government campaign to stifle dissent, was criticised in a statement signed by more than 100 local NGOs as “a serious threat” to freedom of expression.
Are big technology firms acting to tackle the problem?
These firms have started to suspend accounts, reject payments to promote content from users spreading hoaxes, warn users of dubious content and partner with researchers and fact-checkers to detect false information.
Facebook, WhatsApp target fake news for Asia’s election season, but is it too little, too late?
Facebook decided to start its campaign to delete fake news in Sri Lanka, after rumours on the platform triggered intercommunal violence. The company said it was working with local civil society groups to detect false posts that could contribute to “imminent” violence.