Ministry of Interior considers amendments to fight the spread of fake news

Taiwan News
Date: 2018/12/06
By: Matthew Strong,Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Three days of detention could be the punishment for knowingly disseminating fake news, according to amendments prepared by the Ministry of Interior.

During the run-up to the November 24 local elections, candidates often complained of fake news being spread by their opponents or by China.

In a response to the problem, the Ministry of Interior approved proposals to amend the Social Order Protection Act, the Apple Daily reported Thursday.

Under the changes, a person found to be knowingly spreading false information which causes fear or panic could face a maximum detention of three days or a fine ranging from NT$30,000 (US$970) to NT$300,000. The proposed amendments have to be passed on to the full Cabinet for review and to the Legislative Yuan for final approval, according to the Apple Daily.    [FULL  STORY]