Hong Kong study on combating fake news and disinformation online to be completed in June
- Research examines options such as criminalising the spread of fake news and asking platforms to remove inaccurate content
- Study looks at the experiences of other countries in dealing with disinformation and whether those solutions could work for Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s acting home affairs minister has said a study exploring how the city can combat fake news or disinformation online by examining overseas experience will be completed by June.
The study is looking at options such as criminalising the spread of fake news and issuing advice for platforms on how to remove inaccurate content.
“While you conduct the study, disinformation has not stopped circulating in the community and it has dealt a big blow to the government’s anti-epidemic work,” lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun, from the New Territories North West constituency, said.
He pointed to recent online rumours claiming officers had fined shoppers for not using the “Leave Home Safe” app when entering malls. Police have denied the claims.
Legislator Elizabeth Quat, of the Election Committee constituency, held similar views.