TAIPEI (Taiwan News) - As the government wants to clamp down on fake news, the National Communications Commission (NCC) was planning to raise fines for unfair reporting to a maximum of NT$2 million (US$64,800), reports said Wednesday.
While the Satellite Broadcasting Act (衛星廣播電視法) already included clauses about media self-discipline and unfair reporting, the Radio and Television Act (廣播電視法) did not, the Central News Agency reported.
In order to change the situation, the NCC on Wednesday approved a proposal to fine violations of media self-discipline between NT$200,000 and NT$1 million, and violations of fair reporting between NT$200,000 and NT$2 million.
The NCC proposals came a day before the regular weekly Thursday meeting of the Cabinet was scheduled to discuss the problem of fake news, which was said to have played a role during the campaign for last month’s local elections.
However, NCC officials said its proposals could be kept separate, as they deal more with issues of fairness and procedures in the media. The package also included guidelines to uphold cultural diversity, human respect and social responsibility in programs and adverts, CNA reported.
