Can We Reduce 'Akple'? Debates Over Implementing Internet Semi-Real-Name System

Full Disclosure of Commenters' IDs Proposed... Citizens Debate
"Violation of Freedom of Expression" vs "Need to Address Malicious Comments"
Experts Say "Crimes Related to Malicious Comments Should Be Punished More Severely"

Recently, public opinion has been divided over the so-called 'Internet quasi-real-name system' initiative. The photo is unrelated to any specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "Will malicious comments disappear if a semi-real-name system is introduced?"

Recently, opinions among citizens have been divided over the so-called 'Internet Semi-Real-Name System,' which requires users to disclose their IDs when posting online articles and comments.

Although the purpose is to prevent malicious comments (malplae), civic groups argue that the 'mandatory disclosure of IDs' is essentially no different from enforcing a real-name system and oppose it. On the other hand, some point out that since not only celebrities but also ordinary people suffer mental harm from malicious comments, it is necessary to increase responsibility for writing comments. Experts have suggested strengthening related punishments to raise awareness of crimes involving malicious comments.

Recently, the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee's Subcommittee on Information and Communication Broadcasting Law reviewed the 'Amendment to the Information and Communication Network Act,' proposed by Park Dae-chul of the People Power Party. The amendment aims to increase user accountability by disclosing the IDs of all online post and comment writers.

Regarding this, Representative Park stated on his Facebook, "There continue to be tragic cases where people suffering from malicious comments cannot overcome mental distress and take their precious lives," adding, "While respecting freedom of expression, the purpose is to write with a bit of responsibility when posting online."

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

However, civic groups such as the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy strongly opposed the 'mandatory disclosure of IDs,' saying it suppresses citizens' freedom of expression.

Organizations including Open Net, Progressive Network Center, and People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy issued a statement condemning the National Assembly's Science and Technology Committee's subcommittee for passing the unconstitutional Internet Semi-Real-Name System bill.

They pointed out, "The bill cites harm caused by malicious comments as justification for the amendment, but this premise is fundamentally flawed," adding, "It is unclear what extent qualifies as malicious comments, and the causal relationship between an individual's extreme choice and malicious comments is also unclear."

They continued, "Mandatory disclosure of IDs means mandatory issuance of IDs and the obligation to provide and collect identity information, which is no different from enforcing the unconstitutional real-name verification system," emphasizing, "It suppresses diverse opinion exchanges, stifles citizens' freedom of expression itself, and hinders the free formation of public opinion, which is the foundation of democracy."

The 'Internet Real-Name System' was previously implemented in July 2007. At that time, users could not post on major portal sites without undergoing real-name verification. However, in August 2012, five years after its introduction, the Constitutional Court ruled the Internet Real-Name System unconstitutional due to concerns over freedom of expression and basic rights restrictions.

The court stated, "The Internet Real-Name System infringes on basic rights such as freedom of expression, personal information self-determination, and freedom of the press," and "Since its implementation, illegal posts have not significantly decreased."

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

However, as cases of not only celebrities but also ordinary people suffering from malicious comments have increased recently, there are many who support the bill.

University student Jeong (25) said, "I was showered with malicious comments just because I 'can't play games.' I play games to relieve stress, but it only piled up more stress," adding, "It was absurd to be insulted just because I 'can't play games' when no one knew my age, gender, or name. They even sent me messages with harsh insults."

He continued, "If I get this stressed, I wonder how much more celebrities suffer," and pointed out, "Celebrities suffer not only from malicious comments but also from false information. To eradicate this cyber violence, related punishments need to be strengthened."

Among these, there was also a case where an ordinary person suffering from malicious comments took an extreme step. In October last year, a female student at a university in Seoul died after expressing mental distress over malicious comments on the community 'Everytime.'

This student, who had been suffering from depression, posted several pessimistic messages on 'Everytime,' and some users reportedly left comments such as "Don't show it, just die quietly," and "You only talk about dying... just die already."

Similarly, in October 2018, a childcare teacher at a daycare center in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, took an extreme step after suffering from malicious comments related to child abuse allegations.

Experts have suggested strengthening related punishments to raise awareness of crimes involving malicious comments. Professor Kwak Geum-ju of Seoul National University's Department of Psychology said, "When multiple people leave malicious comments, the sense of responsibility or guilt is dispersed. Therefore, many do not recognize malicious comments as a serious crime," adding, "The victims of malicious comments suffer severe mental shock, but related punishments in Korea are weak. Also, malicious comments are addictive, so once someone writes them, they tend to continue. Therefore, related punishments need to be strengthened."

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