Crackdown on Fake News: Portals and Platforms Step Up Response to False and Manipulated Information (Comprehensive)

Revised 'Information and Communications Network Act' Takes Effect Today
Applies to Providers With Over 1 Million Daily Users
Naver and Other Portals Amend Service Terms

On July 7, with the enforcement of the revised Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (Information and Communications Network Act), which addresses online false and manipulated information, domestic portal and platform companies such as Naver have amended their post management policies to reflect changes in relevant legislation. In addition to revising their service terms to address false and manipulated information, they have also established reporting systems to receive related reports from users.

This law requires major platform operators to establish autonomous policies for handling false and manipulated information, process user reports, and release transparency reports. The law applies to information and communication service providers whose average daily number of users exceeded 1 million during any three-month period at the end of the previous year. Online information publishers with more than 100,000 subscribers or an average monthly total view count of over 100,000 during the previous three months who repeatedly distribute content that is deemed illegal or false and manipulated may face a maximum administrative fine of 1 billion won.

Major platform companies are now obligated to: ▲ establish autonomous operating policies related to illegal and false or manipulated information; ▲ notify users of the results of report processing; and ▲ publish transparency reports. Each platform is responsible for determining whether reported information constitutes false or manipulated information. Platform operators will make these determinations based primarily on the guidelines of the Korea Internet Self-Governance Organization (KISO) for handling false and manipulated information. If necessary, they may also reference verification results from private fact-checking organizations during this process.

Leading portal and platform companies with more than 1 million users have already completed preparations to amend their terms of service and establish reporting procedures. A Naver spokesperson stated, "We have already been taking action against false and manipulated information according to our internal policies," adding, "For information that is clearly identified as false or manipulated, we will strengthen management, and since this is the first week of enforcement, we will closely monitor the situation and actively address any shortcomings."

Kakao announced to users on June 30 that it would implement reporting functions for illegal and false or manipulated information in accordance with the revised Information and Communications Network Act, and the new system takes effect starting today. However, the revised law does not apply to regular chats conducted through KakaoTalk, as these conversations are private among chat participants and are not considered to be publicly available platforms. Open Chat features that allow anonymous participation, such as one-on-one or group open chats, are also excluded. The law applies to 'Open Chat Communities,' where conversations can be previewed without joining the chat room, and to 'Open Chat Covers,' which are background photos for open chat rooms.

AXZ, which operates the portal site 'Daum,' also revised its service operation policies ahead of the enforcement of the amended law. Daum operates public platform functions, including Daum News, Daum Cafes, and Tistory (blogs).

Kim Jongcheol, Chairman of the Committee on North Korea-U.S. Relations, speaking. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

YouTube also updated its reporting procedures and reporting page for content that may violate local laws as of today. According to the YouTube Help Center website, the review process for reports takes into account local legal issues, and in some cases, YouTube may require a court order or reports from relevant parties or official legal representatives. A YouTube spokesperson said, "Google is also taking appropriate measures in line with the enforcement of the law."

With the enforcement of the law, if platforms fail to take the necessary measures, the Broadcasting and Communications Commission may issue corrective orders. If such orders are not followed without just cause, the Information and Communications Network Act stipulates that criminal penalties may be imposed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.