Government Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Distribution of Content

Encourage Internal Reporting and Inform About Protection and Support Systems
Compensation Up to 3 Billion Won if Confiscation Occurs

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission are intensifying efforts to apprehend operators of illegal content distribution sites. They are widely promoting public interest reporting related to violations of the 'Copyright Act' and the protection and support system for public interest reporters, encouraging internal reporting.

The 'Copyright Act' is a law targeting public interest infringements. Any citizen can report public interest infringements such as illegal video streaming or operating webtoon sites. In particular, if a person who worked for or contracted with an organization violating the 'Copyright Act' reports and public institution revenue increases (through penalties, confiscations, or fines), a reward of up to 3 billion KRW will be paid considering the amount and contribution.

The identity of the reporter is strictly protected. The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission prevents disadvantages such as restoration measures and personal protection, as well as threats to life and body in advance. The reporter’s illegal acts are also mitigated or exempted.

The reporting method is simple. You can enter the details on the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission’s 'Integrity Portal' or the Korea Copyright Protection Agency’s 'Illegal Copy Report Site.' You can also visit the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism or the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission in person or use postal mail. A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official explained, "If you are concerned about identity exposure, you can report anonymously through a proxy reporting system using a lawyer’s name. Especially internal reporters can use the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission’s advisory lawyer group to appoint a lawyer free of charge."

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism produces card news and other materials to guide related systems and posts them on major rights holders’ websites and social networking services (SNS). Details about rewards are also provided on the 'Illegal Copy Report Site.' Im Seong-hwan, Director of the Copyright Bureau at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "The damage caused by illegal content distribution is estimated at about 27 trillion KRW annually (based on 2021). We hope to activate public interest reporting to recover lost revenue."

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