Hong Kong’s leader has struck off a proposed anti-fake news law, saying that the media industry has improved and practitioners’ “self-discipline and professionalism” can curb the circulation of falsehoods.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday gave his stance on the controversial legislation ahead of a weekly meeting with key decision-making body the Executive Council.
It followed Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok’s comments that the fake news law was off the legislative agenda.
Lam earlier told the Post in an exclusive interview that there were “very difficult legal questions” surrounding the proposed bill’s key definitions.
Lee added that he had seen efforts made by some media practitioners and outlets in “refuting or correcting” misinformation.
“If the industry can tackle this problem by maintaining self-discipline and professionalism, we should go for this as the first option,” Lee said without giving examples or naming media outlets.
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The idea to legislate against fake news and information was first mooted by former city leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor in 2021, in response to misinformation during the months-long social unrest in 2019.
Hong Kong Journalists’ Association warned of a chilling effect of the legislation as it could make it harder for independent news outlets to operate. It also said such a law would have a huge impact on the flow of information.
Last year, Lee had earlier said an anti-fake news law would only be a last resort, stressing the need for the administration to consider Hong Kong’s image as a free society.
Hong Kong lawmaker Paul Tse adds Facebook page disclaimer over Article 23 law
Hong Kong lawmaker Paul Tse adds Facebook page disclaimer over Article 23 law
Justice minister Lam told the Post on Monday that the need for a fake news law had been partly met by Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution.
Article 23 incorporates the existing sedition offences and outlaws certain acts of spreading false statements that pose threats to national security.
Citing Singapore’s Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act that came into force in October 2019, Lam said it was challenging to prescribe what was permissible and not, and distinguish between fact and opinion.
Lam said it remained unclear whether the city state’s law was effective in application or had any “negative consequences”.
