Law in Singapore sparks a public outcry

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難詞探意

1. outcry /'a?tkra?/ n. 強烈的抗議

2. falsify /'f??ls?fa?/ v. 篡改；偽造（文件）

3. removal /r?'mu?vl/ n. 去掉；除去

4. ambiguity /,?mb?'gju??ti/ n. 模棱兩可；意義含糊不清

Have you ever heard a rumor spread around by students at your school? Rumors, like fake news, can often misinform individuals and lead them to believe false information.

In an attempt to settle this problem, the country of Singapore has passed a bill that bans companies and individuals from publishing false information online.

This law, known as The Protection From Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill, has caused a publicoutcry, as the government has been given the power to remove contents that it considers inaccurate or against the public's interest. Since Singapore's citizens are part of different racial and religious groups, the government fears that rumors or fake news can increase tensions within an already small country.

With the new law coming into effect, Singapore's government now has the authority to monitor news sites, social media platforms, and other databases of information to determine whether the content isfalsified. The government can issue law for theremovalof fake news, and publishers of this information can receive prison time and fines up to one million Singapore dollars!

Critics fear that the bill threatens their freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Since national issues and world news are generally discussed on online platforms, many are concerned that this new bill will prevent individuals from talking freely and having healthy conversations.

Several companies, including Google, Facebook, and Twitter, have offices situated in Singapore, meaning that the new law will affect their company operations. Social media companies in Singapore could face a decline in activity, as users may fear posting their opinions and being punished by the government.

Others are concerned that the law does not clearly state what a “false statement” is. Such anambiguitymight allow the government to misuse their power, even though the intention is to curtail false information and rumors throughout Singapore.

This law does give rise to several concerns related to freedom and privacy and it will be interesting to see what Singapore's government will do to deal with this problem.

Reading Check

1. Why are some people against the bill?

A. They think the bill can't get rid of fake news.

B. They belong to different racial and religious groups.

C. They think their freedom of speech may be harmed.

D. They don't want to increase tensions in their country.

2. What does the government have the right to do under the new law?

A. Punish publishers of fake news.

B. Monitor telephone conversations.

C. Prohibit certain people from going online.

D. Fine fake-news makers any amount of money.

3. How will the new law affect social media companies in Singapore?

A. Their users' privacy may be disturbed.

B. Their income will increase very slowly.

C. Their illegal activities will come to light.

D. Their social media may become less active.

4. What does the underlined word in paragraph 7 probably mean?

A. Prove. B. Accelerate.

C. Promote. D. Decrease.

Language Study

Sentence for writing

This law does give rise to several concerns related to freedom and privacy and it will be interesting to see what Singapore's government will do to deal with this problem.

【信息提取】“助動詞do/does/did+動詞原形”可以用于陳述句中，表強調，意為“確實……；的確……”。

【句式仿寫】自信點。 你確實有能力來提高自己。