Singapore fake news law polices chats and online platforms

Singapore has passed a controversial anti‑fake news law that gives authorities sweeping powers to police online platforms and even private chat groups.

BBC reports the government can now order platforms to remove what it deems to be false statements that are "against the public interest", and to post corrections.

Authorities say the bill protects citizens from fake news.

But critics say it poses a serious threat to civil liberties.

It is also unclear how it could be enforced in some instances, such as policing content in encrypted apps.

The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation bill will come into force in the next few weeks.

The government has emphasised that the law would not be used to target opinions, but only falsehoods that could prove damaging.

[Source: BBC]

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