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Roger-Luc Chayer (Image : AI / Gay Globe)
Fighting Fake News and Online Disinformation
More and more, certain nations are taking the lead to bring some order to social media and to try to limit the spread not only of false information (fake news) but also to prevent the Internet from becoming a lawless and uncontrolled space.
Germany: NetzDG Law as a European Model
Germany adopted the so-called NetzDG (Network Enforcement Act) in 2017. It requires major platforms to quickly remove clearly illegal content, including hate speech and incitements to violence. Companies that fail to comply face heavy fines. This law has served as a model for several subsequent European initiatives.
France: Combating Information Manipulation and Online Hate
France has implemented several measures against information manipulation, particularly during election periods. Laws aim to fight the massive spread of fake news and hold platforms accountable for moderating hateful or misleading content. Arcom (formerly CSA) also plays a role in overseeing certain aspects of digital regulation.
Singapore: Regulating False Information
Singapore enacted the POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) in 2019. It allows authorities to require the correction or removal of content deemed false. This legislation is often presented by the government as a tool against disinformation, though it has also drawn criticism regarding freedom of expression.
Australia: Platform Criminal Liability
Australia strengthened its laws following the online dissemination of violent content, notably after the Christchurch attack in 2019. Platforms can now be held criminally liable if they fail to promptly remove terrorist or extremist content. The country has also initiated reforms requiring tech giants to negotiate with traditional media outlets.
China: State Control and Digital Surveillance
China is one of the most advanced examples of online content control. The country has implemented a vast filtering and monitoring system commonly called the “Great Firewall,” which blocks access to many foreign platforms and filters content deemed politically or socially sensitive.
National social networks, such as Weibo or WeChat, are subject to strict moderation rules. Companies must quickly remove content considered illegal, subversive, or contrary to “fundamental socialist values.” Users may also see their accounts suspended or closed in case of violations.
Since 2017, the cybersecurity law and subsequent regulations have strengthened the obligation for platforms to verify users’ real identities, combat online rumors, and cooperate closely with authorities.
At the beginning of 2026, China went even further by requiring social media users to publish content only in areas corresponding to their professional expertise. For example, only medical staff could comment on health news, or engineers on building-related topics. Posts from individuals without the required qualifications in the subject area could face fines. According to authorities, this measure aims to significantly improve the quality of interactions, which would no longer be mere sometimes-virulent expressions of opinion but legitimate exchanges of information within equally legitimate discussions.
End of Online Anonymity: A New Step?
Germany and France now aim to go further with proposed laws that would require all web users to stop using pseudonyms and sign everything they post with their real names. This is a way to make authors fully responsible for their content.
The initiatives in Germany and France are part of a broader movement to increase user accountability, combat disinformation, online harassment, and hate speech.
In Germany, after the adoption of the NetzDG law, the debate gradually shifted toward digital anonymity. The idea behind the real-name requirement is simple: when real identity is engaged, the sense of impunity decreases. Supporters argue that defamatory statements, threats, or disinformation campaigns are more frequent when authors can hide behind a pseudonym.
In France, the debate follows the continuity of laws against information manipulation and online hate. The stated goal is to strengthen the traceability of authors and facilitate legal action in case of violations. Advocates argue that anonymity complicates authorities’ work and promotes the viral spread of irresponsible content.
These initiatives pursue three main objectives: improving the quality of public discourse, reducing abuse, and making authors legally accountable for their statements.
However, these projects also face significant criticism. Opponents note that anonymity can protect whistleblowers, political activists, minority members, or victims of violence who could not safely express themselves under their real identities. They also emphasize that freedom of expression includes the right to speak without revealing one’s identity, within certain legal limits.
Ultimately, the goal of all these legislations is to restore the Internet to its early prestige and reliability, preventing this powerful development tool from becoming a battlefield where science fiction mixes with legitimate information, making it impossible to distinguish between the two.
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See also:
China strengthens influencer regulation and the oversight of professional content on social media – This article explains how China has tightened rules requiring social media creators to prove their professional qualifications before commenting on specialized topics. The measure aims to reduce misinformation and improve content reliability. Read the article
Social Networks Under Surveillance: China and Australia Lead the Way – A comparative analysis of China’s and Australia’s approaches to monitoring and regulating social media. It highlights government efforts to limit misleading or harmful content and enforce platform accountability. Read the article
An ethical and deontological certification for Gay Globe – This piece discusses the media’s commitment to ethical standards and fighting fake news, emphasizing the importance of providing reliable, verified information to readers. Read the article
The anti‑fraud protection of Gay Globe for its readers and users – Details the measures implemented to protect users from online fraud and misleading content, showing how platforms can enforce digital safety and trust. Read the article
Ethics and Privacy – Explores the ethical and privacy standards upheld by Gay Globe, focusing on journalistic integrity, responsible reporting, and ensuring that information shared online is accurate and trustworthy. Read the article
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