Fake news

Hoax busters: Fighting fake news in Indonesia

A small army of "hoax busters" in Indonesia is trying to hold the line against a swarm of fake news that threatens to sway millions of voters as the world's third-biggest democracy heads to the polls.While many countries fret about the explosion of online falsehoods, observers say Indonesia's enormous social media audience – and low levels of digital literacy – make its 17 April polls particularly vulnerable.A whopping 130 million people – about half the population – spend

9 April 2019
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Singapore's 'fake news' laws upset tech giants

Tech giants have reacted with horror after Singapore proposed laws against "fake news" allowing authorities to order the removal of content and impose hefty fines, in what critics say is an assault on free speech.The government unveiled a bill last week containing tough measures, including powers for ministers to order social media sites like Facebook to put warnings next to posts authorities believe to be false and in extreme cases take them down.If an action is deemed malicious an

8 April 2019
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Nine Thais arrested for election 'fake news'

Nine people have been arrested in Thailand for spreading "fake news" on Facebook with posts about sacked election officials and bogus ballots in the wake of controversial polls in the kingdom.Junta-ruled Thailand held its first vote since a 2014 coup on Sunday, with a military-backed party and its main rival linked to a self-exiled billionaire both claiming the right to govern. Fully ratified results will not be confirmed for weeks but questions are mounting over election i

29 March 2019
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Singapore battles fake news

In India, something as simple as a WhatsApp message can be as deadly as a live bullet. While no official count is kept, police and government officials estimate that more than two dozen people have been killed by mobs thanks to the spread of fake news through the popular messaging app.

13 March 2019
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Between fake news and press freedom

Fake news is a serious matter. Fake news in India, for example, has even led to the deaths of many through numerous lynching incidents. However, in dealing with fake news, there is a thin yet important line that – if crossed – encroaches into the territory of press freedom, hampering its ability to play watchdog.Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), have gained notoriety for their lack of press freedom over the years.

9 February 2019
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Independent state, chained press

The military in Myanmar, also known as the Tatmadaw, recently threatened legal action against media organisations found to have reported unverified stories involving security issues and armed conflicts.

4 January 2019
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Journalism’s comeback

After years of ill health, the news industry is finally showing signs of a modest recovery. According to the Digital News Report 2018 – the most comprehensive survey of digital media consumption – subscriptions are trending up while consumer confidence has stabilized.

14 September 2018
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Combating fake news: A balancing act

Dealing with fake news is a balancing act. On the one hand, fake news can be a serious problem as seen in India where fake news has led to numerous lynching incidents. On the other hand, there’s the question of limiting the freedom of the press and hampering its ability to play watchdog.Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have gained notoriety for their lack of press freedom over the years.

21 August 2018
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Fake news: The media strikes back

The viral spread of hoaxes and misinformation ahead of the United States (US) election and Brexit referendum two years ago was a wake-up call for many established news media, who have gone on the offensive to shore up their credibility and help filter out fake news.Major media organizations, often in partnership with big technology and social media firms, have stepped up fact-checking and other measures to support fact-based journalism.But these efforts have been complicated by unrelenting at

14 July 2018
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How Facebook can influence a nation

After an investigation by Facebook last year, it was found that Russian operatives spent US$100,000 on ads with “divisive messages” during the election campaign season in the United States (US). These “divisive messages” are thought to be fake news used to influence the American electorate.

13 April 2018
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When fighting fake news aids censorship

Many media analysts have rightly identified the dangers posed by “fake news,” but often overlook what the phenomenon means for journalists themselves. Not only has the term become a shorthand way to malign an entire industry; autocrats are invoking it as an excuse to jail reporters and justify censorship, often on trumped-up charges of supporting terrorism.Around the world, the number of honest journalists jailed for publishing fake or fictitious news is at an all-time high of at least 21.

4 April 2018
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