Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Coronavirus Puts Southeast Asian Anti-Fake News Laws to Test

VOA News

   A bevy of new laws across Southeast Asia barring dissemination of fake
   news are being put to the test by the spreading coronavirus, with
   bloggers in at least two countries facing possible prison time for
   postings as short as one sentence.

   Authorities say they are merely trying to prevent public panic about
   the coronavirus, but critics say that arresting people for social media
   posts is excessive and stifles free speech.

   Many nations in Southeast Asia have passed laws against fake news in
   recent years. That, combined with the growing trend of single-party
   rule in the region, has increased the odds that authorities would crack
   down on questionable internet content.

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