Kim Min-seok: 'Fake news before elections is a threat to democracy… We must respond strictly according to law and principle'
Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok emphasized the government's commitment to combat fake news ahead of elections, stating that such misinformation poses a severe threat to democracy.
On the 26th, Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok addressed the growing concerns surrounding fake news in the context of upcoming elections, emphasizing that the dissemination of misinformation undermines democratic processes. He pointed out that various forms of fake news, particularly those targeting government policies, officials, and political candidates, not only confuse voters but also threaten the integrity of electoral outcomes. He called for a robust response from government bodies to address and combat this issue effectively.
During a meeting focused on countering fake news, particularly those amplified by artificial intelligence, Kim Min-seok noted the increasing global apprehension regarding AI-generated misinformation. He stressed the necessity for heightened vigilance compared to the past, given the potential implications of such information on election outcomes. The Prime Minister highlighted the seriousness of the problem, indicating that the commercial aspects of online platforms exacerbate the spread of false information, including AI-based fake news narratives.
Despite advocating for freedom of expression, Kim firmly stated that any intentional creation or dissemination of fake news, which disrupts political or electoral order, will be met with strict legal consequences. He underscored that those who manufacture or propagate political slander and misinformation, regardless of their status, will not be tolerated, indicating a zero-tolerance policy towards politically motivated disinformation efforts. Key officials from various sectors, including technology, law enforcement, and broadcasting, attended the meeting to outline a unified strategy against fake news dissemination.