Fake News and Its Regulatory Framework: Fake News as Byproduct of New-Media Environment

Fake News and Its Regulatory Framework: Fake News as Byproduct of New-Media Environment

Fake news has become intertwined with our daily lives due to the proliferation of social media platforms. Delving into the root cause of fake news epidemic, this article perceives fake news as the byproduct of disruptive technology and new media environment. The article looks into regulatory frameworks with worldwide cases as substantiation. Within the scope of legal rights, freedom of expression is particularly explored to see how it is safeguarded and restricted when combatting fake news. The article discusses liabilities on fake news creation and dissemination, and examines proportionate punishments when there is a valid legal basis. Weighing on the effectiveness of different regulatory frameworks, the article concludes that with greater transparency on source of content, sponsorship, and reason of targeting users, can the new media environment better expose and reduce fake news.