South Korea enforces new law on false online information

South Korea has begun enforcing a revised law targeting false information posted online, introducing tougher penalties for repeat offenders despite growing concerns over its impact on free speech.

The law, which took effect on Tuesday, requires major online platforms to establish new systems for responding to false or manipulated content. It comes amid increasing concern over digital misinformation, including several high-profile cases involving celebrities.

Previously, South Korea relied on general defamation laws and civil damage claims to address false information, without a dedicated legal framework specifically targeting fake news.

Under the revised Information and Communications Network Act, individuals who intentionally spread illegal false or manipulated information may be ordered to pay up to five times the actual damages caused. Repeat offenders whose content has been declared illegal by the courts face fines of up to one billion won (about $655,000).

Major platforms, including Naver, Kakao, Google and Meta, are now required to introduce reporting systems for alleged false or manipulated information and publish transparency reports every six months detailing complaints received and actions taken.

Concerns over free speech

The new law has drawn criticism from opposition politicians, civic groups and media experts, who argue that it could discourage free expression and create room for government-influenced censorship.

Critics also warn that the absence of a clear legal definition of “false or manipulated information” could lead to uncertainty and overly broad enforcement.

The main opposition People Power Party has repeatedly criticised the law, arguing that online platforms may remove content excessively to avoid conflict with authorities, while users could begin censoring themselves.

Party spokesperson Cho Yong-sool said, “We will see a world where platform companies excessively remove information, investigative journalism is stifled, and citizens find it difficult to even speak their minds.”

The Journalists Association of Korea also called for safeguards to ensure public-interest reporting and news gathering are not undermined.

Misinformation concerns

South Korea experienced a surge in online misinformation following the failed martial law attempt in 2024, including unverified claims of Chinese interference in the country’s electoral system.

In a separate high-profile case, a right-wing YouTuber was indicted for allegedly using AI-generated audio to falsely claim that actor Kim Soo-hyun had dated a late actress while she was underage.

The allegations sparked widespread controversy, forcing Mr Kim to suspend public appearances, while a major project involving the actor was indefinitely postponed.