[2020 National Audit] Netflix Failed to Report Two Outages... "Regulations Need Revision"

Democratic Party Rep. Byeon Jae-il: "Current 4-hour Standard Should Be Adjusted to 2 Hours"
Broadcasting Commission Chair Han Sang-hyuk: "Will Consult with CPs"

Image source=Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] It has been revealed that the global online video service (OTT) Netflix caused outages twice this year but did not notify domestic users. The reason given was that there is no obligation to notify under the current Telecommunications Business Act. However, there are calls to revise related standards to strengthen the responsibility of content providers (CPs) with significant influence like Netflix and reduce consumer inconvenience.

On the 8th, Byeon Jae-il, a member of the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, stated at the audit of the Korea Communications Commission and the Korea Communications Standards Commission, "Netflix caused two outages this year totaling about four hours but did not notify users, responding that 'since the outage lasted about four hours, consumer damage is minimal.' Domestic ISPs (Internet Service Providers) report outages if they last for two hours, so Netflix should comply with this standard," he said.

According to the current Telecommunications Business Act, ISPs such as telecom companies must notify users if an outage lasts more than two hours, while value-added telecommunications service providers like Netflix must notify users if an outage lasts more than four hours. Previously, Netflix experienced service outages twice in May and June, totaling 4 hours and 27 minutes, but did not notify users because each outage individually did not exceed four hours.

Rep. Byeon urged Han Sang-hyuk, chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, saying, "The status of value-added telecommunications service providers has changed compared to the past," and requested, "We should consider revising the regulations so that if an outage lasts about two hours, like ISPs, users are notified." Chairman Han responded, "There is significant opposition from CPs, but we will actively discuss this."

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