Solon wants to criminalize fake news, troll farms, bot networks

GMA Network

2 days ago

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez has filed a bill seeking to criminalize the spread of fake news, and the operation of troll farms and bot networks that aim to circulate false information.
Under House Bill 11506, Rufus seeks to have propagators of fake news and disinformation penalized with a fine of P500,000 to P2 million, and imprisonment of six years to 12 years, as he described these as a 'serious threat' to public trust, democratic institutions, and national stability.
The bill specifically prohibits knowingly and maliciously publishing or disseminating any fake news or disinformation through any medium; and creating, operating, or financing troll farms, bot networks, or coordinated campaigns specifically aimed at spreading fake news.
It also prohibits the dissemination of fake news or disinformation that incites violence, promotes hate speech, discredits democratic institutions, or may cause public panic or disorder; and facilitating or allowing the use of social media platforms or accounts to repeatedly and systemically engage in such acts.
'These falsehoods, often disseminated at scale through social media or synthetic content like deepfakes, have the power to incite confusion, manipulate public perception, and provoke civil disorder,' the lawmaker said.
'By striking a balance between protecting freedom of expression and addressing the dangerous consequences of intentional disinformation, this measure affirms the values of both liberty and responsibility in a modern, democratic society,' he added.
While the country has existing laws including the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act, Rodriguez said these do not adequately address the evolving nature and impact of malicious disinformation campaigns.
The solon also cited a Supreme Court ruling that the right to freedom of speech, of expression, and of the press is not absolute, as obscenity, defamation, incitement to violence, false advertising, and speech that poses a clear and present danger to public order or national security are not entitled to constitutional protection.
The bill defines fake news as 'false or misleading information presented as fact or news, deliberately and maliciously disseminated to mislead the public, that may sow confusion, incite hatred or violence, or disrupt public order.'
It also defines disinformation as 'false information intentionally spread to deceive, manipulate, or influence public perception, behavior, or policy.'
Meanwhile, malicious intent is described as the 'deliberate or reckless disregard for truth, with the purpose of causing harm, panic, hatred, violence, or undermining trust in institutions.' —RF, GMA Integrated News