Govt intensifies fight against sci-tech misinformation

Authorities are intensifying their efforts to combat misinformation spread under the guise of science popularization, officials said on Wednesday.

The newly revised Science and Technology Popularization Law, which was enacted in December, mandates that products and information promoting science and technology must be scientifically accurate and free of misinformation.

Under this law, the monitoring and evaluation of science and technology-related information will be strengthened, and immediate action will be taken whenever misinformation is detected.

Li Xin, deputy director of the Department of Science and Technology Talent and Popularization of the Ministry of Science and Technology, said: "As major channels of information dissemination, online platforms have a responsibility to address illegal information and misinformation regarding science and technology."

Since 2019, the China Association for Science and Technology, in collaboration with the National Health Commission and relevant administrative bodies, has been working to establish a national platform to counter scientific misinformation, according to Gu Yanfeng, deputy director of association's science and technology popularization department.

"The platform has developed a comprehensive mechanism for detecting, identifying, evaluating, and dispelling misinformation, and it is capable of responding to public rumors within 24 hours," Gu said.

"To enforce the law, efforts will be ramped up to collect misinformation and combat pseudo-science on online platforms, including fake doctors and those selling drugs via livestreams," she added.

Last year, the association, together with six national academic societies, published nine series of lists debunking rumors and received 77 million views, Gu said.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has also organized various initiatives, such as the national science popularization contest, introducing high-quality science content to the public, Li noted.

The newly revised law also addresses the need for science and technology popularization aimed at senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Shi Hong, an official from the National People's Congress Standing Committee's Legislative Affairs Commission, said that these groups face unique challenges in accessing information, particularly in areas such as health, telecommunication, smart technology, and emergency services, due to the digital divide and information barriers.

The scientific literacy rate among people aged 60 to 69 in China is just 4.45 percent, far below the national average of 14.14 percent, according to Shi.

Gu emphasized that the CAST will continue efforts to bridge the digital gap for the elderly, offering targeted training in smartphone usage and financial literacy.

China Science Communication, an authoritative platform for delivering high-quality science information, will be further developed to address the specific needs of this demographic, such as disease prevention, diet, and health, she added.

Additionally, the law encourages the involvement of senior scientists and technicians with extensive experience in science popularization.

"Their participation not only helps address personnel shortages in the field but also allows them to leverage their expertise effectively," Gu said.

Li Shangyi contributed to this story.