176 Final Project

The country of Singapore is a highly developed city-state with a strong economy, stable government, and high educational levels. However, despite these advantages, the country has been grappling with the issue of fake news and misinformation in recent years, which has raised concerns over public safety and national security. The rise of social media platforms has made it easier for false information to spread rapidly and widely without proper verification or fact-checking. In fact, a study conducted by the Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Centre for Information Integrity and the Internet (IN-cube) revealed a disconnect between Singaporeans’ confidence in their ability to spot fake news and their actual ability to do so. The study found that while 48-53% of respondents believed they could identify whether information on social media was true or false, 69-76% admitted to unknowingly sharing fake news (Lim, 2021).

This issue is especially worrying for Singapore, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, as false information targeting specific groups can create tension and division and to cause harm to individuals and the society as a whole. In addition, false information that affects public health, safety, or security can pose a risk to the country’s stability. False information can lead to panic, confusion, and even violence, as seen around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the spread of fake news can also undermine trust in public institutions, sow discord among different communities, and threaten national security (Sombatpoonsiri, 2022). Not only this, but Singapore’s high level of connectivity and dependence on technology makes it more vulnerable to cyber threats, such as hacking and phishing, and false information can be used as a tool for cyber attacks, such as spreading malware or stealing sensitive information (Arwan, 2022). With that, the Singaporean government has taken measures to address this issue. 

Beginning in 2019, Singapore passed the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act to combat fake news (POFMA, 2019). This law allows the government to order individuals or online platforms to issue corrections or remove content deemed false or misleading. Prior to that year, there were several instances of fake news and online speech in Singapore that prompted the government to take action. One notable case was during the 2015 General Election, where a false news article that alleged a plot to create a fake terrorist attack to influence the election was circulated online (McCarthy, 2015). The article was debunked, but the incident highlighted the potential harm that false news could cause. In 2017, a hoax story claiming that a Filipino family triggered a riot in Singapore went viral on social media, causing tensions between Singaporeans and Filipinos (Lee, 2017). The government responded by issuing a statement clarifying that the story was false, but the incident underscored the potential for false news to incite ethnic and racial tensions. There were also concerns about the spread of extremist propaganda and radicalization through online platforms. In 2019, the government highlighted how the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was using the internet to recruit members and spread its ideology, which raised concerns about the potential for Singaporeans to be radicalized through online content (Ministry of Home Affairs, 2019).

These incidents and concerns, along with the rise of fake news and misinformation globally, prompted the Singaporean government to take action to address the issue through legislation such as POFMA. However, critics have expressed concern that POFMA could be used to stifle free speech and suppress dissenting voices. In fact, Singapore’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index is relatively low due to its strict laws and regulations governing the media and freedom of expression (Reporters Without Borders). For instance, the government has significant control over the licensing of media outlets, which can be revoked if they are deemed to be engaging in content that is deemed offensive or against the public interest (POFMA, 2019). Not only this, but defamation laws in Singapore are among the strictest in the world, with civil suits for defamation often resulting in significant damages being awarded against journalists or media outlets (Tech Explore, 2022).

Here is a list of a number of laws and regulations that allow the Singaporean government to control the media (Chong Kin, 2022):

1. The Newspaper and Printing Presses Act (NPPA): This law requires all newspapers and printing presses to be licensed, and gives the government the power to refuse or revoke licenses if they are deemed to be publishing content that is against public interest or national security.
2. The Broadcasting Act: This law regulates radio and television broadcasting in Singapore, and gives the government broad powers to control content and impose fines for violations.
3. The Films Act: This law requires all films to be approved by the government before they can be screened publicly, and gives the government the power to ban or censor films that are deemed to be against public interest.
4. The Official Secrets Act: This law criminalizes the disclosure of information deemed to be “official secrets,” and gives the government wide-ranging powers to investigate and prosecute individuals who leak information.
5. The Sedition Act: This law criminalizes speech that promotes “ill-will” or “hostility” between different racial or religious groups in Singapore.
6. The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA): This law gives the government the power to order the removal or correction of online content that is deemed to be false or misleading.

These laws, among others, have contributed to a climate in which the media may feel constrained or pressured to avoid reporting on certain topics or issues, and individuals may be hesitant to express their opinions on sensitive topics. As a result, freedom of expression and the press in Singapore are often criticized as being limited or constrained and debates over the definition of fake news and the criteria for determining what constitutes false or misleading information are prevalent (Human Rights Watch, 2021).

One news story that casts light on this issue is that of Brad Bowyer, a member of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) who resigned from the party following controversy over his views on COVID-19. Bowyer had shared posts on social media that were critical of the government’s handling of the pandemic, and also shared a video that contained false information about COVID-19 vaccines (Tan, 2021). His actions sparked major controversy and debate across the country, as they prove how necessary a lot of the media laws and regulations are. However, the story also raises questions about the limits of such legislation, as Bowyer’s posts were made on social media platforms that are based outside of Singapore and may not be subject to Singaporean laws. Additionally, critics of POFMA have argued that it could be used to stifle legitimate debate and dissent, rather than just targeting false information (Human Rights Watch, 2021).

However, it is important to note that the laws are targeted at false information and not legitimate opinions or dissent. The government has emphasized that the laws are not meant to stifle free speech, but rather to ensure that accurate and truthful information is disseminated to the public (POFMA, 2019). Thus, despite the concerns raised by critics, the Singapore government has continued to defend its approach to combating fake news and misinformation. Officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining social harmony and public safety, citing examples of how false information has led to social unrest and even violence in other countries (Chua, 2021). The government has also emphasized that its approach is not intended to stifle free speech or suppress legitimate debate, but rather to ensure that such discussions are based on accurate information. With that, the Singapore government recognized the potential dangers of false information and decided to take proactive measures to combat its spread despite backlash.

Incentives for passing laws against fake news and misinformation were rooted in Singapore’s unique circumstances. Combatting fake news and misinformation is crucial for maintaining social harmony and national security. As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, Singapore has to navigate the delicate balance between protecting the freedom of expression and preventing the spread of false information that can cause social unrest and division. False information that targets specific groups can create tension and division, especially in a diverse society like Singapore. It can lead to the spread of rumors, false accusations, and even violence. False information that affects public health, safety, or security can pose a risk to the country’s stability. The government’s actions against fake news and misinformation are thus necessary to ensure that the public is not misled or deceived.

Despite criticism, these actions have had positive influences on the Singapore media. For example, the government’s proactive stance in using POFMA to address COVID-19 misinformation has been widely recognized as a necessary step in protecting public health and safety. As of 2023, half of all POFMA uses (48 out of 96) have been directed at content relating to the COVID-19 pandemic (Xiang, 2022). A notable example of this is the use of POFMA against Truth Warriors, a website spreading anti-vaccine misinformation. To this end, the government has emphasized the importance of media literacy and critical thinking skills, as well as the need for a strong and independent media that can provide accurate and reliable information. The government has also encouraged the public to report instances of fake news or misinformation, and has provided channels for individuals to do so. In addition, the government has worked with social media platforms to combat false information, with some platforms voluntarily adopting measures to flag or remove such content (Amnesty International, 2020).

The Singaporean government has in fact taken several measures besides legal regulations to address the issue of fake news and misinformation. In addition to POFMA and the other aforementioned regulations, the government has launched several initiatives aimed at educating citizens about the dangers of fake news and how to identify it. One such initiative is the National Library Board’s Fact or Fake program, which provides training and resources to help citizens spot fake news (Pek, 2018). Similarly, the Media Literacy Council, which was set up by the government in 2012, aims to promote media literacy among Singaporeans, particularly young people, to enable them to discern credible sources of information from fake ones (Media Literacy Council, 2012).

Moreover, the government has also formed partnerships with social media platforms to tackle the spread of fake news. For example, in 2020, the Singapore government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Facebook to work together to combat fake news (Amnesty International, 2020). Under the MOU, Facebook agreed to label posts that contain false information, reduce the distribution of such content, and work with third-party fact-checkers to verify the accuracy of posts. Other social media platforms, such as Twitter and Google, have also signed similar agreements with the Singaporean government to tackle the spread of fake news.

Despite these measures, concerns remain about the impact of fake news on Singaporean society. In conclusion, the issue of fake news and misinformation is a complex and multifaceted one that requires a comprehensive response. While legislation such as POFMA can be effective in combatting the spread of false information, it is important to also promote media literacy and critical thinking skills among citizens. Moreover, it is crucial to strike a balance between protecting free speech and ensuring public safety and national security. With the continued rise of social media and other digital platforms, the fight against fake news is likely to remain an ongoing challenge for Singapore and other countries around the world.

Works Cited

Amnesty International. (2020, February 18). Singapore: Social Media Abusive Fake News Law. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/02/singapore-social-media-abusive-fake-news-law/

Arwan, Mishell. (2022, August 11). U.S. Department of Commerce. Singapore Information and Communication Technology. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/singapore-information-and-telecommunications-technology#:~:text=Singaporeans%20are%20highly%20digitally%20connected,while%20mobile%20penetration%20reached%20158.8%25.

Chong Kin, Lim. (2022, June 24). In brief: media law and regulation in Singapore. Lexology. https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=d5749308-3ce2-41d6-9933-27aa0df37cb2

Chua, Ryan. (2021, October 24). Looking Beyond POFMA to Combat Fake News and Misinformation in Singapore. SPJ HKS Publications. Retrieved from https://spj.hkspublications.org/2021/10/24/looking-beyond-pofma-to-combat-fake-news-and-misinformation-in-singapore/

Human Rights Watch. (2021, January 13). Singapore: Fake News Law Curtails Speech. https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/01/13/singapore-fake-news-law-curtails-speech

Lee, D. (2017, November 13). Keynote Lecture by Minister Desmond Lee at the Association of Muslim Lawyers Annual Lecture [Speech transcript]. Ministry of Social and Family Development. Retrieved from https://www.msf.gov.sg/media-room/Pages/Keynote-Lecture-by-Minister-Desmond-Lee-at-the-Association-of-Muslim-Lawyers-Annual-Lecture-13-November-2017.aspx

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McCarthy, John. (2015, October 1). Call of Duty livetweets fake Singapore terror attack in PR fail. The Drum. https://www.thedrum.com/news/2015/10/01/call-duty-livetweets-fake-singapore-terror-attack-pr-fail

Media Literacy Council. (2012).  Better Internet. Retrieved from https://www.betterinternet.sg/

Ministry of Home Affairs. (2019, January 18). Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2019 [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.mha.gov.sg/mediaroom/press-releases/singapore-terrorism-threat-assessment-report-2019/

Pek, S., & Wang, D. (2018/19). National Library Board’s Public Education on Information Literacy: Teaching Citizens to Fight Fake News. Singapore Law Review, 47. Retrieved from https://www.las.org.sg/wp/sjlim/nlb-public-education-on-information-literacy/

Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), 2019, No. 18. https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/POFMA2019

Reporters Without Borders. (n.d.). World Press Freedom Index. Retrieved from https://rsf.org/en/index

Sombatpoonsiri, J. (2022). Labelling Fake News: The Politics of Regulating Disinformation in Thailand. ISEAS Perspective, 34. https://www.iseas.edu.sg/articles-commentaries/iseas-perspective/2022-34-labelling-fake-news-the-politics-of-regulating-disinformation-in-thailand-by-janjira-sombatpoonsiri/

Tan, T. (2021, October 8). PSP member Brad Bowyer resigns from party after flak over Covid-19 views. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/psp-member-brad-bowyer-resigns-from-party-after-flak-over-covid-19-views

Tech Xplore. (2022, April 10). Singapore’s new law to tackle online content will target false statements. https://techxplore.com/news/2022-10-singapore-law-tackle-online-content.html

Xiang, Too Kai. (2022, May 17). POFMA: Singapore’s anti-fake news law. Singapore Samizdat. Retrieved from https://www.singapore-samizdat.com/pofma-anti-fake-news-law/