Don't Sacrifice Freedom of Expression to Control Internet

Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han's plan to introduce a ``Cyber Defamation Law'' has sparked controversy over how to guarantee freedom of expression on the Internet. The plan is part of a series of government measures to crack down on distributors of fraudulent and slanderous information in cyberspace. The Korean Communications Commission (KCC), the country's telecommunications and broadcasting regulator, announced the measures on Tuesday to better protect privacy and prevent the illegal use of personal information.

No one can overestimate the importance of online privacy as well as free and safe flow of information through cyberspace. It is urgent for Web site operators and Internet portals to firmly establish safeguards against cyber crimes, including the hacking of online networks and leaking of confidential personal information. It is a shame that South Korea, one of the top global leaders in the Internet and information and communication technology, is vulnerable to hacking and data leaks.

There is no denying that the Internet has become an indispensable part of our daily life as well as business and commerce. Cyberspace has great potential in information-oriented society as it allows people to have easy and unrestricted access to a treasure trove of information. The Internet also serves as an open forum for users to exchange their opinions and distribute useful information and news.

On the other hand, the Internet has become a channel to spread groundless rumors, incorrect information, and slanderous and offensive content, which could inflict a great damage to individuals, businesses and the government. This is the dark side of cyberspace that can easily turn into a lawless world and chaos. In this regard, it is imperative to restore the rule of law in cyberspace. Therefore, the government cannot delay implementing its online safeguard measures any longer.

However, the Lee administration is under criticism for trying to tighten its control on the Internet after netizens played a leading role in organizing candlelit rallies against a controversial April 18 beef import deal with the U.S. President Lee and his policymakers have often accused online networks and Internet portals of propagating groundless and misleading information to amplify the mad cow scare.

Lee warned of ``infodemics'' in his speech to the opening session of the National Assembly on July 11, in an apparent bid to express his strong dissatisfaction with Web activism in relation to the beef row. He also said in a meeting of ministers from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in June that the Internet without trust could serve as poison. In this context, the move to introduce the Internet libel law might be seen as intended to stifle voices against the government and its policies. Without such a law, authorities can crack down on those who distribute slanderous and libelous content.

The telecommunication regulator also invited criticism for enforcing censorship on the Internet by seeking to suspend the posting of articles, photos and audiovisual contents for at least 30 days when complaints are filed over the veracity of the information. This could lead to a serious violation of the freedom of expression. Thus, we call on the government to be more cautious in translating its measures into actions. The Lee administration should refrain from trying to attain control over the Internet by sacrificing constitutional rights.