Society-led accreditation may offer defence against fake news

AN independent accreditation system that is run by members of civic society and recognises legitimate purveyors of news could be an important tool in Singapore's fight against fake news.

Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam recently announced plans to step up Singapore's fight against "fake news", including introducing new legislation, investing in education and nurturing a civic society.

The starting assumption that fake news poses a potential threat is a reasonable one. Just like a caveat emptor market, a democracy can function properly only if individuals are acting on accurate information. Misinformation has the potential to destabilise a precious society.