Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung today said the Government is considering the experience and methods of other countries and regions in tackling fake news and false information.

Mr Tang told lawmakers the Home Affairs Bureau has commissioned a consultancy to study legislation enacted in overseas jurisdictions in recent years for regulating disinformation and provide recommendations regarding the ensuing legislative work.

He pointed out that the laws of different places vary in terms of their legislative intent, application and execution, in addition, the topic of false information covers a wide range of issues.

Not an instance has been found around the world where issues from the distribution of fake news, online false statements to false information for election manipulation can be collectively tackled by one single piece of legislation.

Mr Tang said that the study will make reference to the legislation and enforcement experience of different countries and regions, with a view to working out a set of effective legal regulatory proposals appropriate to the local situations.

He also noted that during the fifth wave of the epidemic, some members of the public claimed to have tested positive for COVID-19 on social platforms and flagrantly breached quarantine requirements and advocated COVID-19 confirmed patients to go around the city to spread the virus.

Mr Tang said such inappropriate speech was made with an intention to undermine the Government's anti-epidemic work.

The security chief emphasised that Police will not tolerate such acts and take appropriate enforcement action.

As at April 30, 19 people have been arrested for inciting others to violate anti-epidemic measures, inciting others to vandalise government anti-epidemic facilities or disseminating false anti-epidemic messages.