Singapore passes fake news law

123rf

Singapore has passed an anti-fake news bill that will allow authorities to order the removal of content that they deem to be false.

The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill was passed with 72 members voting in favour and all nine opposition lawmakers against it.

As per the law, violators could face up to 10 years in prison or fines up to $735,000.

This comes despite fierce criticism from tech giants, the media and rights groups, claiming it could be used to clamp down on freedom of speech, and would give Singapore's government too much power over deciding what qualifies as true or false.

More from International news

News

  • Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives resumes food aid to Gaza

    In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) has announced the resumption of food aid deliveries worth AED43 million to the Gaza Strip,

  • DoH launches Future Health Initiative

    Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Future Health – A Global Initiative by Abu Dhabi (Future Health) has been launched by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).

  • Salik to apply peak-hour toll rates for Dubai Ride

    Toll gate operator Salik said it will charge peak-hour fees on Sunday, November 2, as the Dubai Fitness Challenge's first flagship event - Dubai Ride - gets underway.