South Korea’s sweeping overhaul of internet regulations comes into force on Tuesday, introducing punitive damages of up to five times the actual harm caused for the deliberate dissemination of false or fabricated information. The legislation, which specifically targets high-traffic accounts and large platforms, has ignited a fierce debate over freedom of speech, with critics labelling it a “gag law” and warning of a chilling wave of self-censorship.
A new regime of punitive damages
Under the revised Act on Information and Communications Networks, the rules apply to account holders who knowingly spread disinformation and boast 100,000 or more subscribers or average views. Those found in breach face fines of up to 1 billion won. The thresholds are based purely on reach, not language, meaning anyone meeting the audience criteria is liable from July 7.
The legislation does not only target individuals. Any platform recording more than one million active daily users for three consecutive months is now saddled with enhanced self-regulatory duties, according to government briefings and reports by Newsis. The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) has defended the move, insisting the law is designed to protect freedom of expression rather than stifle it.
A “gag law” and a growing backlash
That assurance has done little to quell the outrage. The ruling People Power Party has branded the legislation a “mouth-blocking law” and is calling for its implementation to be postponed. Public resistance is mounting, with a petition opposing the law in the National Assembly surpassing 140,000 signatures, according to the Sisa Journal and Financial News.
Media reports describe a creeping atmosphere of fear in online communities. The JoongAng Ilbo, as cited by Media Today, has chronicled what it terms “7.7 law phobia,” a reference to the date the regulations kick in, as users nervously assess whether their content could trigger ruinous financial penalties under the new strict liability atmosphere.
