Fake news is a problem and while cutting off the source is obviously a good way to start, it would simply be impossible as anyone with a blog or social media account can simply post it again. This means that another way to go about dealing it would be to deal directly with the people spreading the misinformation.
In a report from The Wall Street Journal (via Engadget), the Malaysian government has recently proposed a law in which it would make the spreading of fake news illegal. Those who are caught spreading news, information, or data that is wholly or partly false will be subject to up to 10 years in prison and a fine of RM500,000 (~$128,165).
Malaysia is not the first country to try and curb misinformation. For example over in India, it was proposed that even group admins of WhatsApp group chats could be held accountable for the spreading of fake news even if it did not necessarily come directly from them. Tech companies such as Facebook and Google have also been trying to do their part in preventing the spreading of false information.
The bill has yet to be passed and the law has yet to come into effect as it is still pending approval from both houses in parliament, but The Wall Street Journal expects it to be approved ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.
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