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The circulation of many "Infox" has already begun as the European elections approach on May 26. Getty Images

A new law to fight "infox" came into effect on Wednesday (October 2nd) in Singapore, despite protests from big tech groups and rights advocates who see the text as an attempt to quell discordant voices.

The law gives the government the power to compel social networks to post warnings alongside publications the authorities consider to be false, and in extreme cases to erase them. Digital giants Facebook, Twitter and Google, who have set up their Asian headquarters in Singapore, have obtained temporary exemptions for certain provisions in order to have more time to adapt.

If a publication is found to be malicious and detrimental to Singapore's interests, the groups could receive fines of up to S $ 1.6 million, and individuals face up to 10 years in prison. City-state authorities that impose strict control on the media and activists point out that these measures are necessary against "infox" that could create divisions in society and erode trust in institutions.

" Strengthen self-censorship "

But technology groups, the media and human rights defenders are alarmed by the consequences of these new powers of the authorities on the internet, especially as elections approach in a few months. Journalist and activist Kirsten Han, editor-in-chief of the independent New Naratif media, says the legislation is " extremely disturbing ".

" It's a law that's so broad that it's hard to predict how it's going to be applied. What worries us most is the fear it engenders and the fact that it will further strengthen self-censorship, "she notes. After the vote of the law in May, Google was worried that " it clogs the innovation and the ecosystem of the information technologies ".

Complications also for the international press

The fact that the authorities alone can judge what is false information is particularly criticized even if the government replies that any decision may be challenged in court. Minister of Communication and Information S. Iswaran said it was " really not about controlling freedom of expression ". " We share the goal of allowing people to express themselves on social networks [...] to confront their ideas, " he said on CNBC.

The law could also complicate the activities of foreign media, many of whom have chosen the city-state as a regional base. Singapore's media is largely pro-government and the country is ranked 151st out of 180 in the world press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders.

(with AFP)