Democratic Party Media Reform Committee to Prepare 'False Information Elimination Act'

Discussion on Abolishing the Fairness Review System for Reporting

The Special Committee on Media Reform of the Democratic Party of Korea announced on September 18 that it will prepare an amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act, which will include the introduction of a damages compensation system for false information.

Jeong Cheongrae, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is taking a commemorative photo with committee members at the launch ceremony and first meeting of the Special Committee on Media Reform held at the National Assembly on the 14th of last month. From the left: Jang Sunmi, Lee Junhyung advisory committee member, Han Minsu committee member, Kim Hyun vice chairman, Leader Jeong, Lee Yongseong advisory committee member, Choi Minhee chairperson, Lee Kanghyuk advisory committee member, Noh Jongmyeon secretary, Lee Joohee, Chae Hyunil committee member. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Noh Jongmyeon, the secretary of the Special Committee on Media Reform, stated in a notice on the same day, "In order to prevent the harm caused by false and manipulated information and to ensure that victims receive prompt and effective relief, we have decided to include a strong punitive damages system and a Korean version of the Digital Services Act (DSA) in the Information and Communications Network Act."

The punitive damages system requires those responsible for acts such as reporting false information to compensate victims by paying a multiple of the actual damages. The Digital Services Act (DSA), currently enforced in the European Union, strengthens the responsibility of digital platforms for false and illegal content.

Noh added, "We agreed that a comprehensive and systematic approach to freedom of expression requires discussions on abolishing the fairness review system for reporting and introducing measures to prevent strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). The Special Committee on Media Reform will release the amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act at an appropriate time and continue discussions with the media industry and civil society."

Noh also explained to reporters after a meeting between Democratic Party Leader Jeong Cheongrae and media industry organizations the previous day, "There are a wide variety of entities subject to the Information and Communications Network Act. I believe that YouTube channels created by ordinary individuals should be subject to the law when certain criteria are met, and that YouTube channels operated by media companies should also be included."

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