A controversial amendment to South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act, known as the “anti-disinformation law,” has sparked backlash from both conservatives and some progressive factions within the National Assembly. Passed by the ruling Democratic Party on Dec. 24, the law allows courts to impose punitive damages on media and online platforms for spreading fabricated information, with fines up to 10 billion won ($7.7 million) for repeat offenders. Critics argue it could violate freedom of expression and be misused to suppress dissent. Leaders from smaller progressive parties and even some Democratic lawmakers, including Park Joo-min, expressed concern about the bill’s implications.
Party leader Jung Cheong-rae defended the law as necessary to combat “irresponsible freedoms” that contribute to misinformation, while opposition parties, including the People Power Party, labeled it an unconstitutional gag order. They are seeking legal challenges against the law. The Justice Innovation Party, which had sought amendments to protect free speech, ultimately supported the bill, hoping to pursue future discussions on related issues.
