Singapore Party Combats Fake News Law

TECHNOLOGY NEWS – An opposition party in Singapore said it was ready to question a fake news law by the government.

 

The party said it wanted to legally challenge an order by the government aimed at fighting misinformation. Under the law, online posts from the party will get correction notices.

 

The Singapore Domestic Party current has to issue the notices on an article on its website as well as related Facebook posts. These posts discuss white-collar jobs in the city-state.

 

According to the party, the government was trying to suppress political debate through the use of technology.

 

The party followed the fake news law and attached the notices. However, last week, it reaffirmed the content. Afterward, it asked the labor ministry to retract the correction notices.

 

The SDP said it would “pursue the matter in a court of law” if the ministry didn’t retract the decision. But the law requires the SDP to comply even if it plans to appeal the notice.

 

Rights groups worry that the law may derail free speech. Meanwhile, opposition politicians say the government could get too much power as the election comes nearer.

 

The SDP added that accusing a party of such false statements should come with irrefutable evidence. Also, it demanded the minister to issue “an immediate, unambiguous, and public apology to the SDP.”

 

US Chief Justice Warns of Fake News, Online Disinformation

In related news, US Chief Justice John Roberts issued a warning about disinformation, which modern technology could amplify.

 

According to Roberts, the public needs to understand the protections that the government provides against such problems.

 

The warnings come as US officials and authorities are raising concerns about foreign propaganda and false news.

 

Such type of news aims to spur disagreement and confusion in the US political system. Also, this is the runup to the 2020 US election.

 

Previously, US intelligence agencies and a government inquiry found that Russia engaged in hacking and propaganda during the 2016 elections. Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller led the investigation.

 

However, Mueller did not confirm whether Trump’s campaign members colluded with Russia during the 2016 election.

 

Meanwhile, Roberts added that an independent judiciary was a “key source of national unity and stability.” He then called on his peers to inspire public confidence and trust.

 

He has previously spoken against the perception that lower courts and the Supreme Court are becoming too embroiled in politics.