The Union Election Commission jointly organized a workshop with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on the prevention of hate speech, fake news and misleading information.

Chairman of UEC U Hla Thein made an opening remark on the workshop, saying the important role of social media in modern communications, its advantages and challenges including hate speech, fake news and wrong information.

He remarked on the needs for prevention of these problems in the country where the social media users have amounted to 21 million in 2020, compared with 7 million in 2015.

The UEC Chairman also called for officials concerned with the General Election and the participants at the workshop to prevent disputes coming out of hate speech and fake news, as well as the enforcement of code of ethics.

While the UEC is publishing its activities and directives on state-owned media and UEC website, the commission will also effectively use its Facebook page to spread information and voter education for 2020 General Election. The UEC is working together with the Ministry of Information, Myanmar Media Council and Facebook Team for prevention of hate speech, fake news and wrong information.

Mr Jason Tower from the USIP extended greeting at the workshop which will be held until 23 January.

—MNA

(Translated by Aung Khin)

Photo: MNA

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar