AFP, SINGAPORESingapore’s new law to combat “fake news” yesterday came into effect, despite criticism from tech giants and press freedom advocates, who labeled the tough rules a “chilling” attempt to stifle dissent. The law gives government ministers powers to order social media sites to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false and, in extreme cases, get them taken down. However, the laws have sparked outrage from rights groups, who fear they could stifle online discussion, tech companies and media organizations. Singapore’s domestic media are largely pro-government and the city-state ranks 151st out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom index. However, observers have said authoritarian regimes around the world, encouraged by US President Donald Trump’s attacks on “fake news,” are exaggerating the threat to crack down on critics.

Source: Taipei Times October 02, 2019 16:01 UTC