Fake news and hate speeches are pervasive issues on the internet, where anyone can create and share content without regulation or oversight. Fake news, misinformation, and disinformation can spread rapidly, creating confusion and eroding trust in traditional sources of information.
Hate speeches, on the other hand, can incite violence and discrimination against particular individuals or groups. Both fake news and hate speeches can be used to manipulate public opinion and fuel political agendas, making it essential to be critical of online content and to verify the accuracy of any information before sharing or acting on it.
The Star reports that Teo Nie Ching, the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital stated that they will collaborate with social media platforms to address the problems of fake news and hate speeches.
Teo has expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of these issues since January 2023, and has suggested that platform providers cooperate with authorities by removing offending posts.
She also noted that 35 cases of fake news and hate speech have already been investigated this year, and that this number could potentially rise to 350. Teo emphasized that hate speech poses a significant threat to the country, and that immediate action will be taken to prevent its spread.
While the government cannot delete posts on its own, the relevant agencies will issue statements on social media to counter any false or inaccurate content and ask the platform providers to delete it.
Previously, we reported that that according to Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the government does not engage in censorship or regulation of internet content by restricting the use of social media platforms or applications.
But legal action can be taken against an individual or party if they violate laws by uploading content or committing any action, rather than the platform they use.
