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A number of new restrictions for online portal sides are being considered by the Korean government. Internet portals are banned from inconveniencing their users by unilaterally stopping services without notice, which would block users from their e-mails or blogs. Also, websites which fabricate popularity will be fined and they should also prevent P2P program suppliers from circulating illegal pornography using those portal sites. In addition, a safeguard will be prepared to secure fairness and transparency in connection with ways to post news obtained through media outlets.
The Ministry of Information and Communication said on July 30 that it will prepare a way to enhance major Internet portals' social responsibilities. It has decided to push ahead with legislation for the promotion of the use of information networks and the protection of information. The ministry has taken such a measure because until now websites haven't been affected by regulations as additional communication providers and as a result, problems regarding circulation of adult content, unfair trade and dishonest web hits happen.
According to the revised law, when websites stop certain services, users can download data in advance to prevent situations in which users cannot access their content. Additionally, Internet portals and UCC sites with more than 100,000 subscribers are required to sign a contract so that services can continuously be operated up to a month in an emergency.
According to the revision, portals fabricating popularity rankings will be sentenced a fine of over 30 million won and those with more than 100,000 daily visits should take technical and management measures to stop fabrication of popularity rankings. Public opinion regarding this is that the ministry should make efforts to raise the fairness and transparency of news posted on websites which they obtain from media outlets. Therefore the ministry has decided to prepare a way to systematically improve the situation by discussing related institutions.
Another provision is that online advertisement providers can't charge additional advertising fees caused by dishonest clicking. Portals will be informed in advance so that they can't enforce smaller content providers to sign unfavorable contracts. In connection with the revision, the ministry will hold a public hearing on August 1 to collect public opinions. Then the ministry will submit the bill during the National Assembly plenary session this year after discussion with related ministries.
The ministry explained that the latest revision has been prepared based on results produced by the operation of a task force consisting of professionals including academics. The task force has been in operation since April to systemize portals' social responsibility. Vice Information-Communication Minister Yoo Young-hwan said: "We have made such a plan thinking that it is time to systemize the social responsibility of portals whose influence is increasing day by day."
