One of the concerns arising from the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has been the spread of fake news about the outbreak. Certain countries like Singapore had already enacted fake news laws before the pandemic, while others are perhaps contemplating fake news regulations in reaction to an issue that has been in the spotlight since the outbreak.
In Thailand, the Computer Crime Act and provisions under the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Conditions are used to target the spread of fake news. The Computer Crime Act does not specifically define "fake news," and only prohibits entering distorted or false data into a computer system which causes damage to other people. However, provisions under the Decree prohibit dissemination of fake news, where the reporting or spreading of information through media, which is untrue, may cause public fear; and the deliberate distortion of information which causes misunderstanding and hence affects peace and order.
Individuals reporting or spreading fake news regarding COVID-19 through media (e.g., social media platforms, journals, newspapers) can be held liable. The social media platforms where the users disseminate false data can be also be held liable.
Local media reported that authorities have actively taken legal action against individuals who spread fake news about COVID-19.
