There is a need to keep public sphere free of toxic and unlawful elements
THE INTERNET PLAYS an important role in the public sphere, as discussions on certain local issues could involve hundreds of millions of netizens and make headlines across the country. The authorities, on their part, heed constructive online public opinions, even consider some of them as valuable references for dealing with certain issues and policies of public concern. People's Daily commented on Thursday:
The internet has the power to rapidly disseminate important information, enriching people's experience. Yet it has enlarged the space for irrational, illegal views and fake news.
Some people have turned misinformation into a lucrative business, by tapping into people's gullibility and the institutional loopholes in cyberspace governance.
