Akta Antiberita Tidak Benar 2018 (Akta 803) & Anti-Fake News Act 2018(Act 803) (AS AT 15th APRIL 2018)

Detailed contents of Akta Antiberita Tidak Benar 2018 (Akta 803) & Anti-Fake News Act 2018(Act 803) :

The Malaysian Parliament passed the Anti-Fake News Act 2018, also known as Akta Antiberita Tidak Benar 2018 (Akta 803), in April 2018. By enforcing sanctions against individuals who produce, disseminate, or circulate false information or "fake news," the law sought to stop the spread of false information or "fake news" in Malaysia.

According to the Act, "fake news" comprises features, images, and audio recordings that are entirely or partially fraudulent and news, information, data, or reports that fall within this definition. A National Council was also established by the Act to address the problem of fake news, and a special court was established to hear issues pertaining to the Act.

Anyone who fabricates, publishes, or disseminates false information is subject to a fine of up to 500,000 Malaysian ringgit (about $123,000), up to six years in prison, or both, according to the Act. The Act also permits the confiscation of tools and resources involved in the production or distribution of false information.

The Act was criticised for having the potential to impede free expression and restrict the media's capacity to cover delicate subjects. Before to the 2018 Malaysian general election, the law was especially divisive, with opposition leaders and activists voicing worries that it may be used to muzzle critical voices.

The Anti-Fake News Act, however, was repealed by Malaysia's newly elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad just a few weeks after it was passed in May 2018. In August 2018, the Malaysian Parliament finally approved the repeal, thereby repealing the statute.