Broadcasting Commission Chairman: "We Will Also Hold Responsible Those Who Spread and Amplify COVID-19 Fake News"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, stated on the 21st, "The act of spreading false and manipulated information, that is, fake news, is a serious social crime that undermines public trust in national quarantine policies and threatens the lives and safety of the people," adding, "We will strictly hold accountable not only for production but also for distribution and dissemination."

Chairman Han made these remarks during a public address held at the Government Seoul Office in the afternoon, saying, "For quarantine to be successfully carried out, public trust in national quarantine policies is essential." This warning comes amid the recent rapid resurgence of COVID-19 and the continuous spread of related fake news that deliberately obstructs quarantine activities.

He expressed concern, stating, "If accurate quarantine information is not delivered to the public due to false and manipulated information, confusion and anxiety will increase, and gaps in quarantine measures may arise, resulting in significant harm to public safety." He also defined the act of spreading fake news as a "serious social crime," emphasizing, "We will strengthen the tracking and management system for COVID-19-related fake news and swiftly block it to eradicate its roots."

Chairman Han mentioned, "We will make the government's credible quarantine information and fact-check reports quickly and easily accessible through broadcasting and communication services," and added, "We will strictly hold accountable not only those who produce fake news but also those who distribute and disseminate it to protect the safety of the people." He further urged, "We ask the public not to be deceived or alarmed by fake news and to report it immediately to the relevant authorities upon discovery."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.