Malaysia becomes first country to outlaw 'fake news'

Updated:7 years, 10 months ago

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Apr 03 (ANI): Malaysia's parliament has approved a new law for publishing and sharing false information on digital platforms and social media, but critics are concerned the law could impact free speech. Malaysia is the first country to outlaw "fake news" and offenders could land in prison for up to six years. On Monday, Prime Minister Najib Razak got a majority in parliament to approve the law for publishing or sharing false information on digital platforms and social media. The law's expected to pass the country's upper house this week and come into effect soon after. In the leadup to a general election, critics of the new law say they could be used to stifle dissent and imprison journalists. The bill does not appear to clearly define fake news but it allows for broad consequences, including fines of over 120,000 U.S. dollars as well as jail. The government says the law would not violate freedom of speech, and cases would fall under an independent court.

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