'Nearly 100 academics worldwide have expressed concern over
Singapore’s proposed law against “fake news”, warning it could threaten
academic freedom and hurt the city-state’s ambition to become a global
education hub.
The government this month unveiled a bill containing tough measures,
including powers for ministers to order sites like Facebook, Google and
Twitter to put warnings next to posts authorities deem false, and
extreme cases, to take them down.
If an action is deemed malicious and damaging to Singapore’s
interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to Sg$1 million
($740,000), while individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years.
Authorities
in the tightly-controlled country insist the measures are necessary to
prevent online falsehoods sowing social divisions, but the move has
sparked anger from press freedom groups and tech giants such as Facebook
and Google.
Now ninety-seven academics from around the world with expertise in
Singapore and Asia have signed a letter warning the proposed legislation
“may deter scholarship and set precedents harmful to global academia”.'
The above is part of an AFP article posted in theindependent,sg.
What is the problem? I could not see any. Any of you see any problem with fake news and fake news law? I have my reasons to say that there is no problem, all fake news or violation of fake news law would be carefully scrutinised by Shanmugam and he has expressed in Parliament that he would take undue care to make sure fake news are fake news and no unnecessary abuse of law will take place. Not to worry, trust our leaders. No one in the world has there be such a pool of honourable and righteous leaders, men and women of unquestionable integrity, to govern the people and to take care of the people for the good of the people. If such incorruptible individuals cannot be trusted with the implementation of a simple law like fake news, then no govt leaders in any part of the world can be trusted. We have the best govt in the whole world with the brightest and good as priests and priestess people in the govt. What more can you ask for. They are near to infallible, like they said, immortals.
Another way to look at this is to look at the American govt. They are not only the policemen of the world but also defenders of human rights and freedom of speech and expression. If the Americans did not protest, did not see anything wrong, then it can be safely concluded that the fake news law must be good and unquestionable. We are a rule of law country and we maintain our laws judiciously and we respect our laws more than the Ten Commandments. Throughout our history there has been no cases of abuse of the law, abuse of our laws by the ruling govts of the day. Is that not good enough proof and assurance that this law is good law and good people will make sure the law will be used only when necessary.
I think everything is crying wolf, just like the Americans warning the world that Huawei is dangerous or Chinese loans will only lead to debt traps and nothing else. It is all hypes and fear mongering when really there is absolutely no problem at all.
What do you think? OK you may disagree with me, I know many of you will. I only use my freedom of expression to say what I think is right. See, there is freedom of expression and the fake news law will just be used against people that misuse the freedom of expression to spread fake news. As long as you are telling the truth, like I just did, you can be sure you will be safe from the fake news law.
Do not be surprised the Americans or Donald Trump will come out in support of our fake news law.