Is using regulation to fight fake news a lesser or a greater evil?
Misinformation and disinformation, sometimes called “fake news”, is recognized to be a global problem, but how do we (or even, how should we) deal with it?
Is it the role of governments to deal with it? Should we expect regulatory authorities to restrict the creation of false information online? Should governments limit or ban access to such content?
The International Telecommunications Society is hosting a global webinar on Thursday, October 21, at 8:00 am (Eastern Time) to examine these issues.
While advocates contend that regulation is an effective way to deter individuals from spreading falsehoods, critics argue that regulating fake news will create a chilling effect in society. Is using regulation to fight fake news a lesser or a greater evil?
In this presentation, we will explore this question from a social science perspective by examining and comparing public opinion on regulating fake news in three Asian countries of different social and political backgrounds. First is Japan, a democratic country and is one of the few in the region that the government is taking a non-regulatory approach towards fake news. Second is South Korea, also a democratic country, but the government has been calling for new laws to restrict fake news. Third is Thailand, a semi-democratic country, in which strict laws against fake news have already been implemented.
It is very topical for Canadians, as the government considers reintroducing controversial legislation regulating internet content.
Registration is free.