Building an informed citizenry in the battle against disinformation

• Main Author: EUGENE, Tan K. B.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2018
• Subjects: Asian Studies; Internet Law
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sol_research/3831; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sol_research/article/5789/viewcontent/20180924_TDYOnline_Spore_Building.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

In a commentary, SMU Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan opined that the report of the Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods affirms a veritable truth: that the best antidote against weaponised falsehoods is an informed citizenry. However, he noted that this recommendation to nurture well-informed citizens is also likely to be the most challenging to realise the desired outcomes. An informed public will take a substantial period of time to evolve. He also cautioned the need for judicial oversight over severe powers that might abuse freedom of speech and expression and recognise that a government of the day may also be a purveyor of disinformation. There is a need to understand the disinformation “eco-system” in Singapore and gain a holistic understanding of our strengths and weaknesses in order to ensure that significant harm is minimised. Ultimately, to succeed against the scourge of disinformation, trust in and the resilience of public discourse, public institutions and the democratic process is a prerequisite.