KMCC Rejects Claims of Discrimination Against U.S. Companies Under Amended Network Act
The Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) has rejected allegations that South Korea’s amended Network Act discriminates against U.S. technology companies. Responding to concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers, the commission emphasized that the legislation applies equally to domestic and foreign businesses and is designed to address the growing social harm caused by false and manipulated information online.
The amended law introduces stronger accountability measures, including punitive damages of up to five times actual damages for the intentional distribution of false or manipulated information by media organizations and corporate YouTubers. It also requires online platforms, including Naver, Kakao, and Google, to remove or block such content.
While U.S. lawmakers have expressed concerns about freedom of expression and potential censorship, the KMCC maintains that the law focuses on user protection rather than nationality-based discrimination. The commission plans to explain the legislation’s objectives and anticipated effects to U.S. authorities.
►For more details, please refer to the attached PDF file.