Document details

Defending freedom of expression: Fake news laws in East and Southeast Asia

Bangkog; Manila: Asia Centre;Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD). (2020), 61 pp.

Contains illustrations, bibliogr. pp. 56-60

"This report compares the impact of legislation in countries with multiparty legislatures and independent government institutions, and countries with one dominant political force and an absence of independent national institutions. It finds that in the former countries, provisions are included to safeguard human rights and democratic practices, in particular freedom of expression, whilst international conventions are adhered to and aligned with human rights principles. In contrast, the latter countries place the authority of the state at the centre of dis-information laws, and their interpretation of what constitutes fake news is often vaguely-worded. To address these issues, a set of recommendations are prescribed to governments in the region to adhere to the international obligations, set up independent institutions, ensure multi-stakeholder collaboration, and seek expert advise the conditions to regard when implementing national legislation, policies and practices." (Abstract, page 61)
1 Introduction, 6
2 Disinformation, 14
3 Existing legilsation, 22
4 Fake news legislation, 26
5 COVID-19 temporary legislation, 30
6 Impact on freedom of expression, 34
7 Recommendations, 49
Conclusion, 54