​Academic: Though hard to solve problem completely, legislation reflects government’s determination in combating fake news

Lianhe Zaobao

At the Select Committee hearing on fake news yesterday, Asst Prof Liew Kai Khiun from NTU’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) said although laws may not solve the problem of fake news completely, it is an important signal that shows the government viewing the issue seriously and that the authorities are taking action. To avoid the public from doubting the government’s intention, when the authorities order to remove the fake content, they should also explain to citizens. Assoc Prof Alton Chua from NTU’s WKWSCI said although Singapore has the Sedition Act, it was established before the era of the social media. There is a need to update the laws to reflect the present situation.