Singapore fake news law takes effect

Singapore’s fake news law has now taken effect, raising new concerns about freedom of expression. The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, passed in May this year, gives the government power to order the take-down of any content deemed to be malicious and damaging to Singapore’s interests. Journalists and activists fear this could stifle online dissent and discussion, as well as affecting academic and press freedoms. Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia division, told NPR that the law ‘provides a carte blanche for Singapore ministers’ to take down any online content they unilaterally deem false regardless of where it appears in the world”.