Media literacy key to spotting fake news sites: Experts

Move to block 10 fake sites shows agencies are alert to potential threat to nation’s social fabric

- Mike Yeo Correspondent

The 10 fake news sites blocked on Oct 22 in Singapore may appear innocuous and authentic, but they have likely been primed to launch disinformation campaigns, signalling the need for greater public awareness to spot them, said experts.

Describing the fake news sites as "sleeper websites", Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan of SMU's Yong Pung How School of Law, said the foreign actors behind them are likely playing the long game and can easily weaponise the sites for a disinformation campaign when the need arises.

On Oct 22, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) ordered internet service providers, including Singtel, Mi and StarHub, to block access to the 10 sites using provisions under the Broadcasting Act.

The sites masqueraded as Singapore news sites by spoofing or using terms associated with Singapore in their domain names and incorporating familiar local features and visuals. They also carried content on Singapore, some of which was generated by artificial intelligence tools.

Mr Benjamin Ang, head of digital impact research at NTU's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), said that these sites feature mostly news and lifestyle stories to create the appearance of credibility. It would be challenging for the public to tell if they are fake.