On July 6, the government took its first step toward eradicating fake news. With the implementation of revised telecommunications laws and enforcement regulations, accountability for online misinformation has been greatly strengthened.
The government has revised relevant laws in response to the growing harm caused by illegal and misleading information disseminated through information networks, which infringes on individual rights and causes social chaos. The changes aim to enhance the economic responsibility of those distributing misinformation while expanding the means for victims to seek redress.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a fine system of up to 1 billion won (approximately $850,000). Information publishers who distribute content as a business and post three or more articles in the three months prior to distribution, earning revenue through advertisements, will face fines if they repeatedly distribute information deemed illegal or misleading by a court on two or more occasions. The fines will be determined based on the severity of the violation, following a process of aggravation or mitigation.
Victim relief measures are also being strengthened. Users harmed by misinformation can file for damages, and if a publisher of a certain size intentionally or maliciously distributes misleading information causing harm, the court may award up to five times the amount of damages.
In cases where harm has occurred but the victim finds it difficult to prove the exact amount of damages, the court can recognize damages up to 50 million won (approximately $42,500).
The application of aggravated damages will be limited to publishers of a certain size. This includes those who have posted three or more articles in the three months prior to distribution, earning revenue through advertisements, and having over 100,000 subscribers or an average monthly view count of over 100,000 during the same period.
Users can report misinformation to the platform, and victims can seek redress through damage lawsuits or dispute resolution procedures. The revised law focuses on strengthening post-distribution accountability for misinformation and curbing the repeated spread of false information.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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