South Korean law targeting 'fake news'

South Korea enforced a law allowing steep punitive damages against media and social media influencers for spreading false information. Journalists' groups warn the law could suppress public discourse and enable censorship due to vague definitions and lack of safeguards.

South Korea began enforcing a law allowing steep punitive damages against news outlets and social media influencers for spreading false information, as journalist groups warned it could suppress free discourse and invite censorship. The law permits courts to award damages up to five times proven losses and fines for repeated dissemination of false content, sparking concerns about its vague language and potential impact on critical reporting.