The issue of fake news in the ASEAN region has gained significant attention, as member states recognize its detrimental effects on societal stability and governance. The proliferation of disinformation threatens domestic stability, prompting an urgent need for effective responses (Putra, 2024). Despite normative agreements within ASEAN on countering disinformation, tangible progress has been limited. A qualitative study from 2017 to 2023 indicates a troubling rise in fake news throughout Southeast Asia (Putra, 2024).
The current policies, many of which are outdated, reflect the necessity for a collaborative approach that goes beyond individual state efforts (Putra, 2024.) Each member state has adopted varying strategies to mitigate the spread of disinformation. For example, Indonesia’s recent criminal code allows for penalties against individuals spreading falsehoods about the government (Newman et al., 2023,) while Thailand has established an ‘Anti-Fake News Centre’ to monitor and suppress misinformation (Chongkittavorn, 2023.) In contrast, Singapore’s stringent Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) allows for the prosecution of those disseminating false information (Chongkittavorn, 2023.) These differing approaches give prominence to the unique contexts and vulnerabilities that each state faces in combating disinformation, resulting in unequal footing in regional countermeasures (Putra, 2024.)
Collectively, ASEAN has made strides at the normative level, particularly in 2023 under Indonesia’s leadership, by disseminating guidelines aimed at managing government information in the context of fake news (Putra, 2024.) This initiative signifies an acknowledgment of the damaging impact of disinformation and a commitment to addressing it more systematically. Nevertheless, ASEAN’s potential lies in its ability to facilitate dialogue and cooperation through its extensive network of forums. To effectively tackle the issue of fake news, it is crucial to elevate it to the status of a non-traditional security threat. This redefinition would enable ASEAN’s various external forums to foster collaborative efforts among member states, thereby enhancing their ability to confront the pervasive issue of misinformation collectively (Putra, 2024.)
To address this challenge, establishing an ASEAN-centered fact-checking network is a promising solution, enhancing credibility and fostering a commitment to accuracy among member states (Putra, 2024). This initiative must consider the varying resources and capabilities of ASEAN countries. By adopting common principles, states can tailor their approaches while contributing to a shared goal of improving information integrity (Putra, 2024). Past government responses have often favored censorship, risking increased social divisions. Therefore, ASEAN should recognize fake news as a non-traditional security threat and work collectively to address disinformation respectfully within political systems, promoting regional stability (Putra, 2024).
Individuals can spot fake news or disinformation by verifying the source of the information, checking the author’s credentials, and looking for corroboration from multiple reputable outlets. Additionally, examining the content for sensationalist language or emotional manipulation can help identify misleading information. Through the utilization of fact-checking websites and cross-referencing facts, individuals can discern credible news from false reports.
References
Putra, Bama. (2024). Fake news and disinformation in Southeast Asia: how should ASEAN respond? Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/communication/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2024.1380944/full
Newman, Nic, Fletcher, Richard, Eddy, Kirsten, Robertson, Craig T., and Nielsen, Rasmus Kleis. (2023). ‘Reuters institute digital news report 2023 ’. London: Reuters.
Chongkittavorn, Kavi. (2023). ‘Combating fake news the ASEAN way’. Economic research institute for ASEAN and East Asia. Available at: https://www.eria.org/news-and-views/combatting-fake-news-the-asean-way/.
Luong, Dien. (2022). ‘Internet blocks Won’t solve Southeast Asia’s fake-news problem’. Nikkei Asia. Available at: https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Internet-blocks-won-t-solve-Southeast-Asia-s-fake-news-problem.
