On 1 April 2019, the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill was tabled in Singapore’s Parliament.

The bill aims to stem the communication of false statements of fact, enable the detection and control of information manipulation, and promote the transparency of online political advertisements.

Any person or organisation that spreads online falsehoods with malicious intent to harm the public interest in Singapore could face a fine of up to SGD 500,000 or, in the case of an individual, a five-year imprisonment term.

Such a statement would be considered harm to the public interest if its communication is likely to prejudice Singapore’s security, public health and safety, or foreign relations or to influence election results, incite hatred, or diminish public confidence in the performance of any public function.Continue Reading Singapore introduces new law to combat the spread of fake news