In recent years, the internet and social media have become the arena for ideological and security battles. Much optimism about the role of digital resources in promoting knowledge and democratic values has turned into preoccupation that they are rather a source of authoritarian control and misinformation. Freedom of expression and its boundaries are increasingly contested as policies are introduced that at times blur ‘stifling rumours’ with ‘fighting dissent’ (see also https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Asia-Insight/Asia-s-war-on-fake-news-raises-real-fears-for-free-speech). To better understand the current situation in Southeast Asia,…