12 December 2025
WP348 | A Review of Anti-Misinformation/Disinformation Measures and Actions Taken by Governments and Mainstream Social Media Platforms
Abstract
As misinformation/disinformation continues to proliferate across online platforms, governments and social media companies have introduced various countermeasures. Despite ongoing efforts, online falsehoods persist. This study investigated the reasons behind this anomaly through a comparative analysis of counter-misinformation/ disinformation legislation across several countries and a review of the measures adopted by social media companies. Using Singapore as a case study, this study also proposed ways to further strengthen the effectiveness of its legislation.
The study found that governments’ counter-misinformation/disinformation measures mainly fell into three categories: (i) legislation/regulation, (ii) task force, and (iii) public education. Furthermore, additional counter-misinformation/disinformation actions were adopted by governments and platforms during public health emergencies, election campaigns, and international conflicts – events where misinformation/ disinformation tends to surge, carrying greater political and social risks.
Regarding Singapore’s efforts to counter misinformation/disinformation, communicating with the public more explicitly and consistently across multiple channels, as well as raising public knowledge of fact-checking by weaving media and information literacy into education, can be considered.
Abstract
As misinformation/disinformation continues to proliferate across online platforms, governments and social media companies have introduced various countermeasures. Despite ongoing efforts, online falsehoods persist. This study investigated the reasons behind this anomaly through a comparative analysis of counter-misinformation/ disinformation legislation across several countries and a review of the measures adopted by social media companies. Using Singapore as a case study, this study also proposed ways to further strengthen the effectiveness of its legislation.
The study found that governments’ counter-misinformation/disinformation measures mainly fell into three categories: (i) legislation/regulation, (ii) task force, and (iii) public education. Furthermore, additional counter-misinformation/disinformation actions were adopted by governments and platforms during public health emergencies, election campaigns, and international conflicts – events where misinformation/ disinformation tends to surge, carrying greater political and social risks.
Regarding Singapore’s efforts to counter misinformation/disinformation, communicating with the public more explicitly and consistently across multiple channels, as well as raising public knowledge of fact-checking by weaving media and information literacy into education, can be considered.
