In the midst of political turmoil, heads of state in Southeast Asia have borrowed the language of the most prominent and outspoken national leader, U.S. President Donald Trump. Fake news has become a convenient cover up for attacks on human rights, democracy and criticism of the government. The region already has a scourge of fake local news stories clogging Facebook and messaging apps. But political leaders’ unverified claims and lack of supporting evidence are making it even harder for news outlets and citizens to distinguish the real news from the fake. “Duterte Diehard Supporters” and the Philippines’ fake news machinePhilippines President Rodrigo Duterte may be criticized abroad for his harsh drug campaign.

Source: Forbes October 30, 2017 10:18 UTC