SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon ordered government officials Tuesday to sternly counter the spread of fake news, which he called a public enemy hiding behind the freedom of speech.
Lee said in a cabinet meeting that fake news with malicious intent, including those about private life, sensitive policy issues and even the head of state, was rapidly spreading in the cyberspace.
He called the fake news a "public enemy" hiding behind free speech that destroys the community, causes hatred against other people, hampers integration and disturbs democracy.
His comments came amid rising worry about the rapid spread of fake news through social networking services and YouTube, especially among elderly voters.
Speculation mounted that fake news spread may have been masterminded by an unspecified group, or groups.
The government and the private sector, Lee said, tried to eradicate fake news, but the situation worsened.
The prime minister said he would no longer overlook the situation, vowing to hold accountable those who produced fake news with malicious intent and spread them systematically.
Lee provided concreate countermeasures, including a rapid investigation and stern punishment in cooperation between prosecutors and the police, and government offices' swift request for investigation immediately after finding fake news.
