Using misinformation regulation, Singapore government controlling the narrative before polls
Singapore’s government has utilized a controversial on the net misinformation law to buy an opposition get together to correct a social media post, days just after campaigning got underway for an election in a few days.
Under the laws, ministers can order social press sites to place warnings next to articles the federal government considers false and order webpages be blocked, but critics fear it is being used to suppress dissent.
On Thursday the federal government ordered Peoples Tone of voice to correct a training video posted on Fb and YouTube and the opposition get together complied, adding banners saying it includes inaccurate information.
In the video, party chief Lim Tean explained the government spends 25 % of a billion Singapore dollars (US$180 million) “featuring free education for foreigners each year”.
A government website targeted at debunking untrue info said the training video contained “a false and misleading statement”, as a significant majority of such students need to pay fees greater than local students.
The large numbers of foreigners in the city-state has turned into a hot-button issue ahead of the election, with the opposition pressing the government to place Singaporeans first with regards to job opportunities.
People’s Tone of voice is among a small number of small opposition organizations dealing with the long-ruling People’s Action Get together (PAP) at the July 10 vote.
As the PAP is expected to remain in vitality, the opposition hopes to win extra seats in parliament.
Because the misinformation law arrived to force this past year, several opposition numbers and activists have already been ordered to correct posts while Facebook has been forced to block webpages on several occasions.
The tech giant said previous month the application of regulations is “severe” and risks stifling free speech, while Google and Twitter also have expressed concerns.
But authorities insist the measure is essential to stop falsehoods from circulating online that could sow divisions in the multi-ethnic, multi-faith region of 5.7 million.
