Punitive Damages System for Fake News Takes Effect on the 7th

As the revised Network Act takes effect on the 7th, those who intentionally distribute false and manipulated information online will be subject to punitive damages and a fine of up to 1 billion won. This law allows anyone to report false and manipulated information distributed on major platforms used by more than 1 million people on average per day, and platforms must take necessary measures such as deletion or blocking when they receive a report. The government explains that this is a measure to prevent repeated, malicious distribution of misinformation and its monetization. However, the media industry and civil society are concerned that the vague standards for false and manipulated information could cause platforms and the press to become selfconscious and shrink back. In particular, even if reporting for public interest purposes is excluded, there are concerns that the burden of large damages and lawsuits could work to reduce critical reporting. Criticism has also been raised that regulation of hate speech has limitations if it targets only the internet without a legal basis such as an AntiDiscrimination Act.