This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
Amidst the ongoing protests in Hong Kong, a worrying trend has emerged: the spread of fake news. This phenomenon has left residents struggling to separate fact from fiction, leading to increased fear and confusion.
"I just assume everything is fake until I have seen sources from both sides and more than two news agencies I trust are reporting the same," said Hong Kong resident Michael Wu, 27, in an interview with AFP on November 20, 2019.
Wu's sentiments are echoed by many Hong Kongers, who are increasingly turning to social media for information. However, this has led to the proliferation of misinformation, with opposing camps pushing their own protest narratives.
"People on each camp only 'fact check' sources within their own echochamber," Wu said. "Even when the truth is out, people are also ready to believe in whatever fake news that would advance their cause or ideology."
Local fact-checking Facebook page Kauyim Media, which has over 140,000 followers, has been working tirelessly to debunk viral disinformation. According to Kauyim, fake news has been "amplifying the fear, hatred and confusion among Hong Kong residents".
"The damage has been done and will take a long time to rectify," Kauyim told AFP.
Disinformation has real-world consequences, as seen in the recent false press release on school cancellations. The Education Board denied the release as "entirely a fabrication," but the incident highlights the impact of fake news on daily life.
A deep distrust of police and authorities may be fueling the spread of rumours among protesters. Outlandish claims and conspiracies are taking root, despite repeated official denials.
Chinese state media and troll armies have also been accused of using edited footage and carefully-curated images to highlight protester violence. In one example, a video showing an old lady remonstrating with police was edited to make it appear that protesters threatened the woman.
"The editing was very convincing and that's how harmful fake news is," said Badiucao, a Chinese artist based in Australia.
