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South Korea Criminalises Fake News, Introduces Jail Terms and Heavy Fines

By The South Asia Times

SEOUL - South Korea’s National Assembly has passed a controversial anti-fake news law, criminalising the spread of false and fabricated information and introducing prison sentences and hefty financial penalties, after the ruling Democratic Party (DP) pushed the bill through following the expiry of an opposition filibuster.

The revised Information and Communications Network Act was approved during a plenary session after a 24-hour filibuster by the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) ended, clearing the way for a vote. The opposition had sought to block the legislation, arguing it threatens media freedom and freedom of expression, according to Yonhap News.

Under the new law, the deliberate circulation of false or fabricated information through telecommunications networks is banned. Media outlets, online platforms and YouTubers found to have spread disinformation for illicit gain and caused harm may face punitive damages of up to five times the losses incurred.

The legislation also introduces criminal penalties for defamation. Anyone found to have defamed another person by stating facts with the intent to slander can face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won, equivalent to about $20,600.

The ruling DP defended the bill as a necessary step to curb disinformation and strengthen accountability in the digital space, saying fake news has caused serious social harm. The PPP, however, denounced the law as an attempt to silence critical voices and warned it could be misused against journalists and political opponents.

The vote ended days of parliamentary deadlock, marking another major legislative victory for the ruling party, which holds a majority in the assembly.