SEOUL – South Korea began enforcing on July 7 a revised law targeting false information posted online, toughening penalties for repeat offenders despite concerns over the impact on free speech.
The law, which requires major platforms to set up new response systems, comes as concern grows in the country over digital misinformation, including high-profile cases involving celebrities.
But opposition politicians, civic groups and media experts warn it could chill free speech and open the door to government-influenced censorship.
The Asian tech powerhouse previously relied on general defamation laws and civil damage claims to address false information – without a clear legal framework targeting so-called fake news.
With the revision to the information and communications network Act it joins many countries trying to tackle the flood of falsehoods online that can have serious real-life consequences.
Now, users who intentionally spread illegal, false or manipulated information could be ordered to pay up to five times the actual cost of damages.
And repeat offenders whose content has been ruled illegal by courts face fines of up to one billion won (S$848,000).
Platforms including South Korea’s Naver and Kakao and US giants Google and Meta must introduce systems for users to report alleged false or manipulated information, and publish transparency reports every six months detailing complaints and actions taken.
South Korea saw a surge in online misinformation following the botched...
SEOUL – South Korea began enforcing on July 7 a revised law targeting false information posted online, toughening penalties for repeat offenders despite concerns over the impact on free speech. Th...