US Republicans have requested, by the 20th, a briefing on enforcement of amendments to South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act in the context of defending Coupang, as they respond to the South Korean government’s measures against the dissemination of information. The amendments center on tougher sanctions for the deliberate dissemination of false information online, reigniting concerns over freedom of expression.
Chairman Jordan and other members of the US House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to the Korea Communications Commission expressing concern over proposed amendments to South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act, as part of a broader effort to raise issues involving the South Korean government in the digital sector. They requested that a briefing be held as soon as possible, and no later than 10:00 a.m. US Eastern Standard Time on the 20th of this month. The request is intended to deepen their understanding of the bill’s enforcement approach.
The amendments would strengthen platforms’ accountability for the spread of illegal, false and manipulated information online, and substantially expand civil and criminal sanctions for the deliberate dissemination of false information. Specifically, they would provide for damages of up to five times the actual loss and administrative fines of up to KRW 1 billion for repeated posts of false information.
However, concerns have been raised about arbitrary enforcement because of ambiguity surrounding the definition and scope of false information, with some pointing to the potential for infringement of freedom of expression. The latest move is seen as an extension of the scrutiny and protest in the United States directed at the South Korean government. Chairman Jordan and others have also led the publication of reports in the United States concerning Coupang.
The 4 lawmakers who signed the letter are said to have led efforts to raise concerns over the South Korean government’s handling of Coupang. Alongside requesting the briefing, they have continued efforts calling for the South Korean government to correct discriminatory regulations. Representative Fitzgerald has issued a statement criticizing pressure by foreign governments on freedom of expression.