More than 60 pc youths see fake news as serious problem

About 67 percent of young people agree that the problem of disinformation in the city is serious, but they are divided on whether legislation is needed.

Youth IDEAS of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups in March sent email to its members aged 15 to 34, inviting them to answer an online questionnaire and got 740 responses.

The results found that some 67 percent of respondents believed the problem of disinformation is serious, with the most saying low public trust in the government was to blame, followed by serious social confrontation and political purposes.

The survey also found that the proportions of youths supporting and opposing legislation to regulate fake news were similar, as they both stood at about 39 percent. 

Regarding the legislation against misinformation, respondents were most concerned about freedom of speech and press, as well as the abuse of power.

Youth IDEAS suggested that the government should launch a consultation on legislation against fake news to regulate harmful or illegal public factual statements. 

It should also formulate strategies outside the legislation, including promoting fact-checking, developing a checking platform, and developing the public's ability to use and think about information from an educational perspective.