“Facebook follows Singapore government’s order but slams ‘disproportionate’ use of fake news law”, 18 February 202

Facebook blocked the page of an anti-government website in Singapore…after a demand from authorities but slammed the “disproportionate” use of a controversial law against online misinformation.

[…]

Political website States Times Review (STR) – which regularly posts articles critical of the government – was repeatedly accused of circulating falsehoods but refused to comply with official demands to put up corrections.

Authorities…ordered Facebook to block the page for Singapore users….

Confirming it complied with the order, Facebook said it was “legally compelled” to restrict access to the page in Singapore.

But a spokesperson added: “We believe orders like this are disproportionate and contradict the government’s claim that [the law] would not be used as a censorship tool.

“We’ve repeatedly highlighted this law’s potential for overreach and we’re deeply concerned about the precedent this sets for the stifling of freedom of expression in Singapore.”

[…]

Other tech giants, including Google and Twitter, as well as rights groups have expressed concerns about the Singapore law.

But the government insists the legislation is necessary to stop the spread of falsehoods online, and had accused the STR of circulating misinformation, including about the coronavirus outbreak.

[…]

 

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