Ronnabelle Lora

Y or Y Not: Spreading false information should be a crime? | YSpeak 2.0

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

In the advent of the internet and social media, it has become easier for us to access and share information—regardless of whether such information is factual or erroneous. Unfortunately, some individuals exploit these platforms to spread misinformation, malinformation, and disinformation that can cause harm, especially to those who are gullible or ignorant. Due to the growing prevalence of false information, the third episode of “Y Speak 2.0,” which aired on May 23, tackled the proposition of whether spreading false information should be considered a crime in the Philippines. Host-captains Robbie Jaworski and Aya Fernandez, together with their respective teams composed of four students each from Magna Anima Teachers College, engaged in an intense debate on the issue. Robbie led the affirmative side, “Team Y,” while Aya represented the opposing side, “Team Y Not.” Building on the sharp and thought-provoking exchange of ideas among their members in Phase 1, the host-captains proceeded to share their personal insights and reflections in Phase 2. Representing the affirmative side, Robbie emphasized that while there is indeed a lack of regulation and legislation governing the spread of information, society should be more concerned about the growing exploitation of misinformation and disinformation.  “By creating those policies [or] those laws and criminalizing these offenses, which does not lead to direct imprisonment but rather fines and holding accountability, we actually indeed carry out your mission in improving digital literacy because we force the member of our country to be more aware of the words and information they spread,” he stated, stressing that such measures must be implemented before it is too late. Aya, on the other hand, urged the public to revisit the country’s history and closely examine the present state of society. “Maganda ‘yong konsepto na maglaan tayo ng mga batas dito, pero hindi natin kailangang gumawa ng mga bagong batas kundi pagbutihin ang mga nandiyan na. Ang kuwestiyon dito, sino ba ang may pangil? Who controls the truth? Ang mga nasa kapangyarihan,” she asserted. Furthermore, the captain of the negative team argued that criminalizing the spread of false information online would be “very much anti-poor.” She added that countries such as China and Russia already implement similar laws, but these often fail to serve their intended purpose and instead create a chilling effect on free expression. “Imbes na maitama ang false information, natatakot ang mga tao magsalita. Tayo ay nananahimik,” she concluded in her synthesis. Catch more inspiring conversations, youth-driven stories, and meaningful discussions on “YSpeak 2.0,” Saturdays at 10:45 PM on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live.

In the third episode of “Y Speak 2.0”, two teams engaged in an intense discussion on whether the spread of false information should be criminalized in the Philippines.

In the third episode of “Y Speak 2.0”, two teams engaged in an intense discussion on whether the spread of false information should be criminalized in the Philippines.