{"id":34325,"date":"2020-04-09T10:54:06","date_gmt":"2020-04-09T02:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zegal.com\/?p=34325"},"modified":"2020-07-03T17:14:58","modified_gmt":"2020-07-03T09:14:58","slug":"is-it-illegal-to-post-false-information","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zegal.com\/en-hk\/blog\/post\/is-it-illegal-to-post-false-information\/","title":{"rendered":"Is It Illegal to Post Fake News?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"contentsContainer\">\n<div id=\"contents\">\n<p id=\"E116\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-34447\" src=\"https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/fake-news-4881486_1920-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/fake-news-4881486_1920-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/fake-news-4881486_1920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/fake-news-4881486_1920-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/fake-news-4881486_1920-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/fake-news-4881486_1920-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/fake-news-4881486_1920-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/fake-news-4881486_1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 770px\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"E119\"><span id=\"E120\">Over the past few months, Hong Kong has experienced a wild turn of events. From political protests to the coronavirus, the Internet has remained <\/span><span id=\"E121\">the<\/span><span id=\"E122\"> main source of news regarding these topics. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"E122\">However, it is easy to get caught up in all the information, misinformation and disinformation out there. In Hong Kong, many posts containing misinformation about protest-related events or the coronavirus have led to anger or panic for many netizens online. This has us wondering<\/span><span id=\"E122\">: is it illegal to post false information online? <\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"E127\"><span id=\"E128\">Previous Events<\/span><\/h4>\n<p id=\"E130\"><span id=\"E131\">While Hong Kong does not have an official \u2018no fake news\u2019 law, there have been incidents where those who post misinformation online have been sanctioned. <\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E133\"><span id=\"E134\">For example, misinformation had been circulating around group chats and online platforms during the peak of the Hong Kong protests. These<\/span><span id=\"E138\">\u00a0included conspiracy theories and <\/span><span id=\"E140\">rumours<\/span><span id=\"E142\"> buried within otherwise accurate news reports. Many of these posts targeted the Hong Kong police. Thus, the police have previously made 621 requests to remove such online posts containing <\/span><span id=\"E143\">m<\/span><span id=\"E144\">isinformation and defamatory content since the beginning of 2019. In a bid to suppress online messages inciting others to violence, the Secretary of Justice was granted an injunction to restrain those who encourage violent and illegal acts online. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"E144\">However, this injunction did not extend to those posting false information and do not incite criminal violence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"E144\"> Instead, in response to the online uprising, the Secretary of Security, John Lee, stated:<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p id=\"E146\"><span id=\"E147\">\u201cThe Government strongly condemns the <\/span><span id=\"E149\">wilful<\/span><span id=\"E151\"> spread of these <\/span><span id=\"E153\">rumours<\/span><span id=\"E155\"> <\/span><span id=\"E157\">online, and<\/span><span id=\"E159\"> will <\/span><span id=\"E161\">endeavour<\/span><span id=\"E163\"> to provide the relevant facts and information to dispel the false information. Citizens should remain objective and rational, and should not readily believe fabricated online <\/span><span id=\"E165\">rumours<\/span><span id=\"E167\">\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p id=\"E169\"><span id=\"E170\">Additionally, controversial <\/span><span id=\"E172\">law-maker,<\/span><span id=\"E174\"> Junius Ho, spoke of the spreading online <\/span><span id=\"E176\">rumours<\/span><span id=\"E178\">. Ho stated that Chief Executive Carrie Lam should use the powers delegated to her under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to repress the fake news. In accordance with the Hong Kong emergency law, the Chief Execut<\/span><span id=\"E179\">ive<\/span><span id=\"E180\"> is granted powers to control and censor writings, publications and photographs. However, this is only applicable if she is satisfied that the city is under a state of emergency. This law would also extend to online platforms as well. Ho also suggested that Hong Kong should follow in suit of Singapore\u2019s anti-misinformation law, (which we discuss in a moment<\/span><span id=\"E182\">)<\/span><span id=\"E184\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E186\"><span id=\"E187\">However, another prevalent stream of online misinformation comes from the recent coronavirus pandemic. Due to the contagious nature of the virus, it is easy to get caught up with <\/span><span id=\"E189\">rumours<\/span><span id=\"E191\"> and falsities. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"E191\">In a recent case, a man accused of spreading <\/span><span id=\"E193\">rumours<\/span><span id=\"E195\"> of the virus has <\/span><span style=\"font-size: inherit;\">been arrested for violating the <strong>Summary Offences Ordinance<\/strong>. This is after he posted messages online stating that his co-workers and others near his workplace have taken sick leave due to infection. According to the Summary Offences Ordinance s.20(b), anyone who:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"contentsContainer\">\n<div id=\"contents\">\n<blockquote>\n<p><span id=\"E198\">\u201csends by any such means any message, which he knows to be false, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to any other person\u2026shall be liable to a fine of $1,000 and to imprisonment for 2 months\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h4 id=\"E201\"><span id=\"E202\">Possible Additional Legislation <\/span><\/h4>\n<p id=\"E204\"><span id=\"E205\">Depending on the situation, one may also refer to the<strong> Hong Kong Theft Ordinance<\/strong>. According to s.161(b):<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span id=\"E206\">\u201c<\/span><span id=\"E207\">Access to a computer with criminal or dishonest intent, a person who obtains access to a computer with a dishonest intent to deceive is liable for up to 5 years imprisonment<\/span><span id=\"E208\">\u201d<\/span><span id=\"E209\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span id=\"E209\">It&#8217;s possible but generally unlikely that this offence would be used to prosecute against fake news, for, as the name suggests, it is typically used for circumstances of theft. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"E211\"><span id=\"E212\">Other<\/span><span id=\"E213\"> <\/span><span id=\"E214\">Jurisdictions<\/span><\/h4>\n<p id=\"E216\"><span id=\"E217\">While Hong Kong may not have an official anti-misinformation law, there are many jurisdictions that do. According to Article 84 of the Basic Law, Hong Kong <\/span><span id=\"E219\">is allowed to<\/span><span id=\"E221\"> refer to other precedents of the Common Law. Due to this, it may be possible for the Government to adopt similar provisions against misinformation from other jurisdictions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-34453\" src=\"https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truth-2069837_1280-1024x512.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truth-2069837_1280-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truth-2069837_1280-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truth-2069837_1280-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truth-2069837_1280-640x320.png 640w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truth-2069837_1280-1200x600.png 1200w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truth-2069837_1280.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 770px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"E223\"><strong><span id=\"E224\">China<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p id=\"E226\"><span id=\"E227\">There have been many reports of China\u2019s strict filtering of online media. China had also criminalised the spread of information that may \u201cundermine economic and social order\u201d in 2016. To further censor any possible misinformation, a law enacted in 2017 also demands that social media platforms must only circulate news from registered news outlets. Additionally, an app has been launched in China which allows its users to report those who are potentially spreading fake news. <\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E229\"><span id=\"E230\">While China is not a Common Law jurisdiction, there is no denying that the country has an influence on Hong Kong and its legal jurisdiction. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"E232\"><strong><span id=\"E233\">The United Kingdom<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p id=\"E235\"><span id=\"E236\">Since Hong Kong\u2019s colonisation, there has been major UK influences on Hong Kong\u2019s legal system. Due to this, it is easy to assume that Hong Kong could easily follow the UK\u2019s footsteps should they enact an act against misinformation. <\/span><span id=\"E236\">However, while there is also an absence of an official law against misinformation, the UK has had several considerations surrounding this topic. <\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E238\"><span id=\"E239\">The UK government had previously created the <strong>National Security Communications Unit<\/strong>, which <\/span><span style=\"font-size: inherit;\">is entrusted with \u201ccombating disinformation by state actors and others\u201d. Britain established this Unit <\/span><span id=\"E241\" style=\"font-size: inherit;\">in the midst of<\/span><span id=\"E243\" style=\"font-size: inherit;\"> an investigation. This investigation revolves around Russia\u2019s alleged employment of fabricated social media accounts to spread Brexit- related misinformation in 2016. There had <\/span><span id=\"E244\" style=\"font-size: inherit;\">also been additional learning materials added to schools in the UK with the intent of teaching children how to deal with misinformation online.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"contentsContainer\">\n<div id=\"contents\">\n<h4 id=\"E247\"><strong><span id=\"E248\">Singapore<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p id=\"E250\"><span id=\"E251\">The most compelling use of laws against fake news comes from Singapore. <strong>Singapore\u2019s Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act <\/strong><\/span><strong><span id=\"E252\">(\u201c<\/span><span id=\"E253\">POFMA<\/span><span id=\"E254\">\u201d<\/span><\/strong><span id=\"E255\"><strong>)<\/strong> was enacted on the October 2, 2019. The POFMA strives to combat false statements of fact through online communication and provide support for the consequences of such communications. The <\/span><span id=\"E256\">P<\/span><span id=\"E257\">OFMA also aims to censor false information that is against public interest. Contravening of the act may lead to a possible conviction of <\/span><span id=\"E259\">10 year<\/span><span id=\"E261\"> imprisonment and\/or a <\/span><span id=\"E262\">S<\/span><span id=\"E263\">$100,000 fine. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"E264\"><span id=\"E265\">Criticisms against an anti-misinformation law<\/span><\/h4>\n<p id=\"E266\"><span id=\"E267\">There have been many critics protesting the suggestion of a law <\/span><span id=\"E269\">similar to<\/span><span id=\"E271\"> the POFMA being enacted in Hong Kong. This is mainly due to the possibility of the law contravening the right to freedom of speech and expression. However, Secretary of Security, John Lee, had previously responded to a similar issue. In his response he stated: <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p id=\"E272\"><span id=\"E273\">\u201cHong Kong residents enjoy the freedom of speech under the Basic Law, but that freedom is not absolute\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p id=\"E274\"><span id=\"E275\">Lee cites the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance. In this he argues that the right of freedom and expression comes with responsibilities where the right may be restricted. His argument continues stating that the restrictions stated in law would be necessary for: <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p id=\"E276\"><span id=\"E277\">\u201c1. respect of the rights or reputations of others, or<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"E277\">2. the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health or morals\u201d. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p id=\"E278\"><span id=\"E279\">Others, who are for enacting a similar anti-misinformation law, argue that the right to freedom of speech is not analogous to the freedom to spread <\/span><span id=\"E281\">rumours<\/span><span id=\"E283\"> and fake news. It has also been suggested that a law <\/span><span id=\"E285\">similar to<\/span><span id=\"E287\"> the POFMA would not be used to stifle the right to freedom of speech and expression, rather facilitates how it should be used.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>To Sum Up<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"contentsContainer\">\n<div id=\"contents\">\n<p id=\"E290\"><span id=\"E291\">While the Hong Kong Government had to deal with the spread of fake news, there has yet to be a formal statute outlawing its use. These discussions highlight the importance of remaining vigilant in assessing whether news online is trustworthy or not. Therefore, we should always be watchful when browsing online. Hong Kong has its own fair share of fake news incidents.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>This article does not constitute legal advice.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><i>The opinions expressed in the column above represent the author\u2019s own.<\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/register.zegal.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-36007\" src=\"https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/1-e1591609452295-300x51.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"488\" height=\"83\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/1-e1591609452295-300x51.png 300w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/1-e1591609452295-640x108.png 640w, https:\/\/zegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/1-e1591609452295.png 747w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 639px) 98vw, (max-width: 1199px) 64vw, 488px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/zegal.com\/blog\/post\/data-privacy-for-beginners\/\">READ MORE: Data Privacy For Beginners<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/zegal.com\/blog\/post\/online-harassment-laws-hong-kong\/\">FURTHER READING: What&#8217;s Considered Online Harassment?\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Over the past few months, Hong Kong has experienced a wild turn of events. From political protests to the coronavirus, the Internet has remained the main source of news regarding these topics. However, it is easy to get caught up in all the information, misinformation and disinformation out there. In Hong Kong, many posts containing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":34447,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[133],"tags":[10882,7763,10488,30,8845,7043,47,6919],"usecases":[],"businesstypes":[],"country":[],"class_list":["post-34325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-startup","tag-china","tag-fake-news","tag-hk","tag-hong-kong","tag-law","tag-legal","tag-singapore","tag-uk"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.8 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is It Illegal to Post Fake News? | Zegal Hong Kong<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How countries around the world are tackling fake news. 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