ACAN appeals to operators of social media and websites

The following is issued on behalf of the Action Committee Against Narcotics:
 
     The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) noted a study funded by the Beat Drugs Fund pointing out that the number of drug-related social media posts and their number of views on the Internet have substantially increased over the past six years, with almost a three-fold rise at the peak. Among those posts, a number of them encourage drug use, provide inaccurate information on drugs or are suspected to be related to drug dealing through social media.
 
     ACAN is gravely concerned about this finding, and has issued letters to operators of social media and websites that are widely used in Hong Kong. The letter appeals to the operators to practice corporate social responsibility through collaboration in stopping illicit drug transactions or the flow of relevant illegal information on the social media and websites operated by them, so that they will not become a hotbed of incorrect drug information. ACAN hopes that the operators concerned could respond positively as soon as possible.
 
     ACAN appeals to the public to remain vigilant against incorrect drug information online. There are many social media accounts set up by anti-drug organisations to facilitate the correct understanding of drug problems by the public. The Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau also disseminates anti-drug messages through its "narcotics.divisionhk" accounts at different social media. Its website (www.nd.gov.hk) contains detailed information about drugs and frequently asked questions. To seek information or assistance from social workers, members of the public can also make use of the instant messaging applications WhatsApp and WeChat by sending messages to 98 186 186, or call the 24-hour hotline 186 186.