US lawmaker reintroduces bill against Korea's regulatory efforts that could harm US digital firms

Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) speaks during a House Select Committee on Climate Crisis hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 14, 2022. AFP-Yonhap

A U.S. congresswoman has reintroduced a bill calling on the U.S. government to step in if Korea takes regulatory measures that might harm America's digital businesses, Congress' website showed Tuesday.

On Monday, Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced the bill, titled "To authorize the appropriate administrative authorities to impose certain restrictions with respect to the Republic of Korea, and for other purposes," which was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

The bill appears akin to the U.S.-Republic of Korea Digital Trade Enforcement Act, which Miller introduced last year to protect American online companies in the event of Korea passing a bill to regulate digital service platforms. The act did not pass as the previous 118th Congress closed.

U.S. online firms have demanded that Korea withdraw its digital platform regulatory moves, as the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) proposed enacting an act in late 2023 to tighten oversight over market-dominant online platform businesses so as to promote fair competition.

After pushback from U.S. stakeholders and others, the KFTC announced a new proposal in September to revise the country's existing key antitrust law instead of seeking new legislation.

Following the reintroduction of the bill, Jonathan McHale, vice president of digital trade at the Computer & Communications Industry Association, a U.S. group, issued a statement.

"Guaranteeing fair access to the Korean market for U.S. digital services is the foundation of a strong and durable economic and security partnership between the United States and Korea that benefits both countries," he said.