Govt to work with ‘highly trusted’ S’pore public service media to strengthen fact-checking capabilities: Josephine Teo

To counter misinformation, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) will continue to work closely with Singapore's public service media to maintain their reach and strengthen their fact-checking capabilities.

Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo said this during the Committee of Supply debates for MDDI in Parliament on Mar. 2, in an extensive speech on artificial intelligence (AI), including its risks.

She noted that technologies like AI fuel the spread of disinformation and misinformation.

"As a diverse society, we are particularly vulnerable to online falsehoods that erode trust in our society and institutions," she said.

Role of public service media

Teo highlighted the importance of Singapore's public service media entities in maintaining trust in the information space.

"They remain highly trusted by the public, more so than reputable international and online media outlets," she said.

These entities, which reach over 90 per cent of Singaporeans, have therefore become indispensable in countering misinformation.

Besides delivering timely and credible news, they also produce content that strengthens Singapore's sense of united identity, she added.

They play a role in cultivating news literacy among youths, through regular student publications and school competitions.

Teo went on to provide examples on how MDDI will support the public service media to uphold this trust.

CNA will set up a digital verification team, while government agencies have collaborated with The Straits Times on the AskST series to address misinformation.

Remaining relevant

Before Teo spoke, Member of Parliament (MP) Henry Kwek described Singapore's public service media as standing between the people and an AI-manipulated information environment.

However, he raised concerns that they have been facing declining circulations as audience attention and advertising shift towards digital platforms.

He asked what the MDDI plans to do to keep the public service media compelling, relevant, and financially viable.

In response, Teo said that MDDI will support efforts to keep public service media content visible and easily discoverable.

The ministry has been studying approaches in other countries, and will consult the media industry to ensure that initiatives are implemented reasonably and effectively.

The government will also continue investing in these media entities to help them develop new capabilities as the media landscape evolves.

Top images from MDDI/YouTube and Canva