MARUAH has submitted a written representation to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods.
1. MARUAH’s view is that the government has not articulated a clear case for new legislation against Deliberate Online Falsehoods (DOF). Existing laws can already be used and have been used against DOF in Singapore and overseas.
2. There is a very high risk that any legislative action will stifle free speech and may be used against the legitimate expression of dissenting views.
3. In the event that the government still feels compelled to enact any laws against DOF, such laws must be balanced and not result in the removal of legitimate content including political debate. All parties affected must be given the chance to present their case and take-down orders issued only by a court of law.
MARUAH’s submission is posted at https://maruah.org/select-comm-online-falsehoods/