Fake News!!!

“Fake news” on the internet is an issue that must be address. Facebook and other social media has working diligently on how to combat “Fake news”.

Singapore is wagering war against “Fake news” by submitting new law forcing social media to carry out warning on posts that the government regarded as fault and forced the removal of any contents against “public interest”. Human rights are saying it is interfering with their freedom of speech. Some claimed that it puts too much power in the hand of the government and their determination what’s Fake or real news. If the new law passes, Facebook and other social media will need to comply or incurred a hefty fine. Facebook VP Simon Milner is concern “... the aspect of the law that grants broad powers to the Singapore executive branch to compel us to remove content they deem to be fault.” If “fake news” found on the media platform 3 times in a 6 months period there will be implication of the website, yet to be determined. Also, those who break the law there will be a $740000 fine and 10 years jail sentence.

I disagree with Singapore’s government enforcing their possible new law in regards to “fake news” in such a strict manner and along with a severe penalty. We’re living in world of social media and there are bound to be “Fake news”. Facebook and other social media sites are developing algorithm to detect “Fake news”. Although, I find it very interesting that Mark Zuckerberg is asking the government to play a more active role in regulating an online platform, when it’s clearly his responsibility. Users of the social media shouldn’t be too quick in believing what they read or seen that are posted on the internet. They should consider the source, read beyond the headline, check the credibility of the author, and question yourself if this real or “fake news”.