MLC 'reviewing' its material after publication of booklet that classifies satire as fake news

SINGAPORE — The Media Literacy Council said on Friday (Sept 20) that it is reviewing its material, after posts emerged online of a booklet that classifies satire as fake news. 

The booklet, titled Get Smart With Sherlock: What Is Fake News?, had reportedly been distributed to schools, and photos of it appeared online on Sept 17.

The council said in a statement in response to questions from CNA that the booklets were most recently distributed last month to schools that requested them. 

"We are aware of the issue and are currently reviewing our materials," the council said, adding that it has since stopped the distribution to schools. 

A photo of the book first appeared on social media platform Reddit. According to a post there, the book was given to a pupil in Primary 1.

The same labelling of satire as fake news first emerged as a post on MLC's Facebook page on Sept 5. 

A graphic had shown that fake news could take many forms, including false context, imposter content, manipulated content, misleading content, clickbait and satire. 

Following criticism online, MLC apologised and said that it would review its materials. 

Last week, Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam told the media that it was "erroneous" for the council to have suggested that satire is fake news.

The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma) Bill, which was passed earlier this year, does not cover opinion, criticism, satire or parody. 

MLC did not address questions from CNA on when the book was published or how many were printed. CNA 

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