Singapore (AFP)

The social network Facebook denounced on Tuesday the "disproportionate" application of a law against online disinformation in Singapore, where it was forced to block the page of a website opposed to the ruling power.

Singaporean authorities have ordered Facebook to block the page of the political website States Times Review (STR), which they accuse of circulating false information.

It is the first time that they have asked for a page to be blocked.

Facebook confirmed that it complied with Singapore's injunctions, adding that the social network was "legally obliged" to restrict access to this page.

But a spokesman for the American giant added: "We think that orders of this type are disproportionate and contradict the government's assertions that (the law) would not be used as a tool of censorship".

"We have repeatedly warned of the potential excesses of this law, and are very concerned about the precedent it creates regarding the obstruction of freedom of expression in Singapore."

A post posted on STR's Facebook page warned of the closure of the page but redirected users to another page, where the content of the site was available.

In addition to Facebook, other internet giants have expressed concerns over Singaporean law, including Google and Twitter. Fears also shared by human rights organizations.

But the government says that this legislation is necessary to fight the spread of fake news online, accusing STR of having circulated information, especially about the epidemic of new coronavirus.

Singapore has reported 77 infections linked to the virus that has killed thousands and infected tens of thousands in China.

Singaporean law provides ministers with the power to order platforms and websites to place a warning on content they deem to be misleading, and to impose blocking of pages for Internet users located in the city-state.

© 2020 AFP