Online dissemination of fake news: an analysis of the existing legal framework in Malaysia

The development of digital technology encourages the significant impact of using social media as the primary source of information. However, the development can also be regarded as a breeding ground for spreading false information, even though it has a huge positive effect on the digital economy. The authorities have responded with different regulatory frameworks in an effort to control the online dissemination of fake news in Malaysia, including the Penal Code (Act 574), the Printing Presses and Publication Act 1984 (Act 301) and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). Nevertheless, it seems to have failed to adequately address the issue of combating the dissemination of fake news. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to review Malaysia’s existing law to deal with the issue of online dissemination of fake news and to recommend several suggestions to curb the issue of fake news in the present and future. Therefore, in order to achieve the objective of the research, this study adopts qualitative research methodology mainly through textual analysis of some related legislations in providing research findings and secondary sources such as reported case law, textbooks, academic writing, online resources and other related secondary sources. The findings of the research indicate that the existing laws are still inadequate and hence, the research is deemed beneficial to the authorities such as legislators in improving the existing laws in order to combat this issue.