Disinformation is rising in Southeast Asia. ‘Fake news’, alongside hate speech, on social media has had extreme repercussions. It has been linked to election riots in Indonesia and violence against the Rohingya minority in Myanmar.
In recent years, governments across southeast Asia have introduced strict regulations, known as ‘fake news’ laws, purportedly to curb the spread of disinformation and misinformation online and preserve national security. However, critics say that the laws have been used to curtail free speech and restrict the voices of independent media and human rights activists.
Panellists discuss the drivers and impacts of the rise of disinformation and decline in press freedoms in Southeast Asia.
- How has ‘fake news’ hurt the region’s fledgling democracy?
- How can online spaces be regulated without impinging on freedom of expression online?
- What is the relationship between the increasing importance of online media and rising authoritarianism in the region?
- How have Southeast Asian netizens responded to online censorship?
Participants
Jerald Joseph, Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Tess Bacalla, Former Executive Director, Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)
Chair: Adam Burke, Regional Director, Conflict and Fragility, The Asia Foundation
