Google says Singapore’s fake news law likely to hurt innovation

Google said on Thursday an anti-fake news law passed by Singapore’s parliament could stunt innovation, a quality that the city-state wants to nurture under plans to expand its tech industry.

Singapore’s parliament on Wednesday passed the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill, a law criticised by rights groups, journalists and tech firms over fears it could be used to clamp down on freedom of speech.

The passage of the law comes at a time when Singapore, a financial and transport hub, has been making efforts to position itself as regional centre for digital innovation.

Google said the law could hamper those efforts.