Sotto files bill penalizing fake news on internet

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Vicente Sotto III has filed a measure seeking to criminalize the act of creating or spreading false information on the internet and social media platforms.

In filing Senate Bill No. 9, Sotto said “false information continues to circulate and is becoming prevalent on the internet globally.”

“Filipinos have fallen prey to believing most of the clickbaits, made-up quotes attributed to prominent figures and digitally altered photos,” he said.

Under the bill, anyone found guilty of knowingly creating or publishing false information to mislead the public will face imprisonment and a fine less than P300,000.

Those found guilty of using a fictitious online account or website to create or publish false information will be meted a fine of less than P500,000 and imprisonment.

Those who offer or provide expertise in creating or publishing false information will be meted with imprisonment and a P200,000 fine.

While anyone who finances the creation or publication of online sites with false information will face imprisonment and a fine not exceeding P 1 million.

In addition, anyone who refuses to take down false news, issue necessary corrections or block users’ access to websites or social media platforms will be meted a P2-million fine and imprisonment.

Sotto said the bill also promoted the responsible use of the internet.

Other countries have begun to introduce similar laws punishing fake news, like Singapore, Russia, France and Germany.