Human Rights Commission, Kakao, and Media Law Association Joint Research on Responding to Online Hate Speech

National Human Rights Commission of Korea building. Photo by Human Rights Commission

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The public, private, and academic sectors have joined hands to respond to the spread of online hate speech. On the 17th, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea announced that it will promote a "Joint Research on Responding to Online Hate Speech" together with Kakao, the Korean Association for Media and Law, and others.

The Human Rights Commission stated that the purpose of this joint research is for Kakao, a leading domestic IT company, and the academic community with accumulated expertise to come together and create practical alternatives regarding online hate speech. The first research results, covering the conceptual analysis of online hate speech and the status of domestic and international policies, are planned to be announced by the end of September.

Previously, the Human Rights Commission emphasized voluntary cooperation from users and the establishment of self-regulation by online platforms through the "Hate Speech Report" published in October last year. Kakao also has been making efforts to eradicate online hate speech, such as abolishing the comment service on entertainment news in October last year and adding a reporting category for discrimination and hate in news comments.

Choi Young-ae, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, said, "Autonomous regulation to respond to hate speech is being attempted online, where hate speech is a major contact route," adding, "Through this research analyzing European cases of responding to online hate speech via self-regulation, we aim to establish concrete standards for autonomous regulation to eradicate hate speech and further hope it becomes an opportunity for information and communication companies to realize their role in respecting human rights."

Yeo Min-soo and Cho Soo-yong, co-CEOs of Kakao, said, "As digitalization accelerates recently, corporate digital responsibility to create a positive future through policies and systems is becoming increasingly important," adding, "We hope this joint research will be a positive influence in eradicating online hate speech."

Kim Jong-chul, President of the Korean Association for Media and Law (Professor at Yonsei University), added, "We hope this research will enrich social discussions on hate speech and serve as an opportunity to consider ways to harmoniously balance personality rights and freedom of expression online."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.