The securitisation of fake news in Singapore

Abstract

Employing the securitisation theory advanced by the Copenhagen School, this article critically evaluates the security discourses in Singapore regarding the issue of deliberate online falsehoods, or ‘fake news’. It seeks to address two key questions: first, can the theory provide empirical insights illuminating the heightened political salience of the issue of fake news in the country? Second, how can this study contribute to the development and advance our understanding of the securitisation framework? The securitisation of a political issue gives credence to the urgent need for emergency measures and the mobilisation of resources—and often by suspending due political process—to resolve a purported existential threat. In this article, I show that the securitisation of fake news by the Singapore government has allowed it to consolidate political power, increase regulatory oversight on social media and censor criticisms against the state ahead of the conduct of national elections. In addition, this study contributes to the discussion on the applicability of securitisation theory beyond a Western or Euro-centric political context. It shows that the acquiescence of the audience is vital for a successful securitisation move in an authoritarian regime just as much as it would in a democracy.