[Roundtable] Media literacy key to helping Koreans filter fake news

The Fake News Act, which took effect on July 7, has sparked widespread debate.

Combating fake news is undoubtedly necessary.

The threat posed by misinformation will only grow in the age of artificial intelligence, as advanced technology makes it easier than ever for people to create and spread false or manipulated content.

Despite this pressing need, the act has drawn criticism for relying on controversial measures, vague definitions of what constitutes fake or manipulated news and excessive punitive damages, making it appear more like a quick fix than a carefully considered solution.

To examine the act's shortcomings and explore possible improvements, The Korea Times hosted a roundtable discussion featuring three columnists: Park Jung-won, professor of law at Dankook University; Cho Hee-kyoung, professor of law at Hongik University; and Min Seong-jae, professor at Pace University in New York.

The panelists emphasized that the government should consider making media literacy a core part of education to help citizens distinguish factual information from fake news.

The discussion was mode ...