Uncovering the Issues of Fake News from the Legal Perspective: A Malaysian Context
Abstract
The proliferation of false information in Malaysia is a growing worry because it has the potential to fuel animosity, disturb social cohesion, and spark civil unrest. The Malaysian government is actively working to combat the issue of fake news by enacting laws to regulate its distribution. This article studies the legal aspect of fake news in Malaysia, examining its legal definition, impact, and regulatory framework. A compilation of fake news cases from the past, as well as in-depth studies of selected cases will offer valuable perspectives to scholars in Malaysia and the boarder academic community. Through qualitative content analysis, the study reveals several legal concerns in Malaysia. These include determining whether one-sided or third-party news can be classified as fake news, as well as the challenge of identifying subtly biased or unclearly-sourced articles. The study also highlights the complexities of language use and subjectivity in article writing, as well as the difficulties of identifying anonymous authors and distinguishing freedom of expression from defamation and fake news. While legislation may be helpful in addressing fake news, it may be more effective to promote transparency and accuracy of information on social media. It is important to note that the concept of fake news in Malaysia is still ambiguous and unclear, which may hinder efforts to combat its dissemination.
Keywords: Content analysis, conceptual, fake news, legal, Malaysia.
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