MCN 'Unauthorized Video Deletion' Abuse to Be Prevented... Broadcasting Commission Establishes Guidelines

KCC Establishes User Protection Guidelines for Win-Win Cooperation Between Online Platforms and Creators

Key Findings from the 'Creator Industry Survey' Conducted by the Korea Communications Commission in September Last Year Targeting 300 Creators

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] From now on, online platform companies and Multi-Channel Network operators (MCNs) will no longer be able to delete individual creators' videos without permission or delay payment for video uploads.

The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) announced on the 24th that it has established the "Online Platform-Creator Win-Win and User Protection Guidelines," which will take effect on March 25.

Recently, in the distribution process of video content in the online platform market, cases have occurred where online platform operators or MCN operators forced creators to sign disadvantageous contracts or deleted content without prior notice, raising the need for improvement.

The KCC judged that, as the influence of online platforms grows with the normalization of a contactless society, a foundation for protecting creators and users is necessary. Since March last year, it formed a research group including experts from broadcasting and telecommunications academia, civic groups, and legal advisors to prepare improvement measures. In May and June last year, meetings were held with creators and MCN operators, and from September for two months, a survey was conducted with 300 creators regarding requirements for the development of the creator ecosystem.

According to the revised guidelines, first, contracts must be documented, important changes must be notified in advance, and unfair contract coercion is prohibited to strengthen contract fairness. When content is suspended, changed, or deleted, prior notice must be given, and discrimination in content recommendation is prohibited to ensure transparency in content distribution. Discriminatory contract coercion against minor creators is prohibited, and delayed payment is banned to strengthen protection for minor creators. The guidelines also include prohibitions on unfair, false, or exaggerated advertising, guarantees of users' content usage rights, and user protection measures such as destroying users' personal information when services are discontinued.

The KCC explained that while maximizing the autonomous functions of the online platform market related to video content distribution, the guidelines focus on preventing unfair discrimination in the contract process and protecting creators and users from harm.

Chairman Sanghyuk Han of the KCC stated, "The newly established guidelines are measures to secure transparency in transactions between online platforms and creators, foster a healthy platform ecosystem, and protect users," adding, "Above all, voluntary participation and efforts by online platform operators, Multi-Channel Network operators, and creators, who are members of the online platform market, are crucial."

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