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Fake news, hoax, and misinformation are difficult to deal with, but there are ways to spot and fight them. (Shutterstock/Panchenko Vladimir)
G
overnments in Asia are concerned about misleading or false information online. Whether created for financial gain or political reasons, so-called “fake news” can have a real-world impact. The same is true for hateful content that violates the rights of others.
People want to see an end to fake news and illegal hate speech. In some countries, that might include new or strengthened government regulations, but new laws can also create new problems. Given the complexity of this issue, laws alone will never be a silver bullet.
Germany’s Network Enforcement Act, or NetzDG, is sometimes held up as a good example of how to combat hate speech and, to some extent, fake news as well.
A case of good intentions falling short, the NetzDG has not struck a good balance between the government’s interest in tackling harmful content and the importance of freedom of speech. Countries in Asia should think twice before using the NetzDG as a model.
Germany was driven by fears that hate and fake news could influence the Bundestag election campaign in autumn 2017.
The government finalized the act despite most experts advising against the approach.
It entered into force on Oct. 1, 2017, and has been applicable since Jan. 1, 2018.
