South Korea has begun enforcing a revised law aimed at tackling online misinformation, introducing tougher penalties for individuals and content creators found guilty of spreading false or manipulated information.
The amended Information and Communications Network Act came into effect on Tuesday, requiring major online platforms to strengthen content moderation and reporting systems.
The government says the law is designed to combat harmful misinformation and provide better protection for victims of false online content.
The legislation follows growing concern over the spread of digital misinformation after the failed 2024 martial law attempt and several high-profile defamation cases involving celebrities.
The new law was backed by President Lee Jae-myung’s Democratic Party and approved by the National Assembly despite a boycott by the opposition.
Officials argue that online disinformation has become a serious threat to democracy by promoting division, hate speech and false narratives.
Under the law, anyone who intentionally spreads illegal false information may be ordered to pay up to five times the damages caused.
Repeat offenders whose content is ruled illegal by the courts could also face administrative fines of up to one billion won (about $655,000).
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said the law creates a stronger legal framework to punish malicious misinformation and improve victim relief.
The law specifically targets large-scale online content creators with at least 100,000 subscribers or monthly average views above 100,000 who profit from misleading content.
Major platforms, including Naver, Kakao, Google, YouTube, Meta, Facebook and Instagram, must now provide reporting systems, remove illegal content where necessary and publish transparency reports every six months.
The Korea Media and Communications Commission says the International Fact-Checking Network’s standards will guide fact-checking activities.
The law has triggered strong criticism from opposition politicians, journalists and civil liberties groups, who argue that its wording is too broad.
Critics warn the lack of a clear legal definition for “false or manipulated information” could lead to excessive censorship and self-censorship.
The opposition People Power Party says online platforms may remove legitimate content to avoid legal risks.
Party leaders have announced plans to challenge the law in court, arguing it violates constitutional protections for free speech and press freedom.
The Journalists Association of Korea also warned that the threat of costly lawsuits could discourage investigative journalism.
Media experts fear internet companies could become de facto online censors by removing lawful content to avoid penalties.
The Korea Media and Communications Commission rejected claims that the law enables state censorship, saying private platforms—not the government—will decide how reported content is handled.
The ruling Democratic Party insists the legislation targets malicious misinformation and online personalities who profit from defamatory or fabricated content, not ordinary citizens expressing opinions.
Meanwhile, a National Assembly petition calling for the law’s withdrawal has attracted more than 140,000 signatures, reflecting growing public concern over its potential impact on freedom of expression.
As the law takes effect, South Korea is expected to face legal challenges and intense public debate over whether it can curb online misinformation without undermining democratic freedoms.
The amended Information and Communications Network Act came into effect on Tuesday, requiring major online platforms to strengthen content moderation and reporting systems.
The government says the law is designed to combat harmful misinformation and provide better protection for victims of false online content.
The legislation follows growing concern over the spread of digital misinformation after the failed 2024 martial law attempt and several high-profile defamation cases involving celebrities.
The new law was backed by President Lee Jae-myung’s Democratic Party and approved by the National Assembly despite a boycott by the opposition.
Officials argue that online disinformation has become a serious threat to democracy by promoting division, hate speech and false narratives.
Under the law, anyone who intentionally spreads illegal false information may be ordered to pay up to five times the damages caused.
Repeat offenders whose content is ruled illegal by the courts could also face administrative fines of up to one billion won (about $655,000).
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said the law creates a stronger legal framework to punish malicious misinformation and improve victim relief.
The law specifically targets large-scale online content creators with at least 100,000 subscribers or monthly average views above 100,000 who profit from misleading content.
Major platforms, including Naver, Kakao, Google, YouTube, Meta, Facebook and Instagram, must now provide reporting systems, remove illegal content where necessary and publish transparency reports every six months.
The Korea Media and Communications Commission says the International Fact-Checking Network’s standards will guide fact-checking activities.
The law has triggered strong criticism from opposition politicians, journalists and civil liberties groups, who argue that its wording is too broad.
Critics warn the lack of a clear legal definition for “false or manipulated information” could lead to excessive censorship and self-censorship.
The opposition People Power Party says online platforms may remove legitimate content to avoid legal risks.
Party leaders have announced plans to challenge the law in court, arguing it violates constitutional protections for free speech and press freedom.
The Journalists Association of Korea also warned that the threat of costly lawsuits could discourage investigative journalism.
Media experts fear internet companies could become de facto online censors by removing lawful content to avoid penalties.
The Korea Media and Communications Commission rejected claims that the law enables state censorship, saying private platforms—not the government—will decide how reported content is handled.
The ruling Democratic Party insists the legislation targets malicious misinformation and online personalities who profit from defamatory or fabricated content, not ordinary citizens expressing opinions.
Meanwhile, a National Assembly petition calling for the law’s withdrawal has attracted more than 140,000 signatures, reflecting growing public concern over its potential impact on freedom of expression.
As the law takes effect, South Korea is expected to face legal challenges and intense public debate over whether it can curb online misinformation without undermining democratic freedoms.
