Between Surveillance and Security: The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill (POFMA)

Abstract

Described as a “scourge” that could disrupt public discourse and threaten social order, online falsehoods or 'fake news' has risen up the public agenda to capture the attention of policymakers and legislators in Singapore. In response, the Singapore Government introduced a new piece of legislation, the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation (POFMA) bill, to tackle fake news, but its introduction did not come without controversy or resistance. This case study provides a broad overview of Singapore’s POFMA and examines the issues at stake.