OFFSTONE | JUNE 2021 | FKP USIM

36 FAKE NEWS IN FREE SPEECH AND HATE SPEECH By: Dr. Safiyyah Ahmad Sabri safiyyah@usim.edu.my Dr. Safiyyah Ahmad Sabri is a Senior Lecturer of Mass Communication Programme in Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). With Journalism background, she shares interests in fake news, Islamic reporting, race and religion, plural society, freedom of speech and expression. ABSTRACT The potential harm of fake news should not be taken lightly especially in a multiracial country like Malaysia. Either it is done intentionally or not, the freedom of speech has been used as advantage in spreading such news. Taking two cases as examples, this article offers a view of how fake news could be classified under free speech and hate speech. Introduction The spreading of fake news with the rapid technology transformation today is not something new and is assumed to be a continuous silent harm to a multiracial and multireligious country like Malaysia. With the media literacy that allow people to access, analyse, create, judge or manipulate the media, some are using it unethically either with or without intentions. The rise of online media power, has opened an unlimited platform in the form of social media, websites and other digital media for people to show their feelings, express their thoughts and even judging others. Fake News - Free Speech vs. Hate Speech From a point of view, this is in line with the freedom of speech and expression of what is stated in Article 10 of the Constitution of Malaysia. But what many might not know, this could also become the key factor towards bringing down the multiracial society. Although there is a difference in defining free speech and hate speech, fake news could just be applied in both forms. Looking at the definition of free speech, it is the freedom to voice out thoughts and expressions without restrictions. On the other hand, hate speech is the abuse of the freedom given with the purpose to harm others, or speech intended to cause violence or chaos. Due to