Fake News: Government Policy Recommendations from Case Studies in 6 Countries across 6 Continents

Abstract

            Fake news is a major problem in the modern era, as online media has become the primary source of news. Many countries are trying to find solutions to the problem, including Thailand. However, the methods that the Thai government has been using so far may not be effective, and other approaches may need to be considered. This academic article studies the meaning and the development of fake news and how other countries have attempted to solve this problem in online media, including Singapore, Australia, Finland, Kenya, Canada, and Brazil, by analyzing documents to propose solutions to the Thai government. The study found that fake news has developed in four eras, corresponding to the progress of technology. It also found that fake news is defined as non-factual information which might be false, misleading, or intentionally harmful. There have been two main approaches to solving the problem of fake news: government intervention and empowerment of the people. No direct research has proved which approach is more effective, but an indirect assessment from the annual freedom index indicates that democratic governments would use the methods that restrict freedom as little as possible. This study, therefore, recommends that the Thai government consider using the methods that empower the people to prevent the creation of fake news from political and economic factors as well as for the country's democratic image. This can be done by using a combination of methods and cooperating with other sectors, which consist of educating people about media literacy and encouraging them to verify information, establishing task forces to combat fake news, supporting quality journalism by allowing independence, and collaborating with technology companies. These approaches should lead to more sustainable solutions in the long run.