South Korean law targeting false online information takes effect

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

SEOUL: South Korea has begun enforcing a revised law that imposes tougher penalties for spreading false online information. Major internet platforms are now legally required to establish new response systems for users to report misinformation.

Under the updated framework, individuals who intentionally distribute manipulated falsehoods can be ordered to pay up to five times the actual damages. Repeat offenders face hefty court-ordered fines of up to one billion won.

Tech giants, including Naver, Kakao, Google, and Meta, must also publish comprehensive transparency reports every six months. The regulatory push follows a severe surge in digital misinformation across the country.

However, critics and opposition politicians warn the law could invite broad legal enforcement and spark government-influenced censorship. They argue it may stifle investigative journalism and restrict free speech.