By Lee Hyo-sik
The government has stepped up the monitoring of Twitter and other social networking service (SNS) users here to crack down on those who post messages in favor of North Korean propaganda, following the death of North Korean leader Kimg Jong-il.
It also plans to decide soon whether it is illegal or not to set up a memorial altar south of the border for the late Kim in a bid to minimize potential conflicts between the law enforcement authorities and North Korean sympathizers.
The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) said Tuesday that it will be vigilant in order to stop false rumors surrounding Kim’s death from spreading and curb status updates and other material promoting the communist nation’s political and social systems.
Those involved in pro-North activities are subject to prosecution under the country’s National Security Law.
``We will closely monitor what SNS users here write and post. If they try to spread unfounded rumors, glorifying the late Kim and praising the North Korean regime, we will clamp down on them,’’ a KCC official said. ``We will also take all possible measures to minimize possible social unrest in the wake of the uncertain situation in the North.’’
The commission said it has already detected dozens of SNS messages praising the late North Korean leader since the news was made public at noon Monday. It said one message reads: ``We beg comrade Kim Jong-il, the world’s greatest leader, to resurrect from the dead.’’
KCC has further issued a warning for a possible cyber attack from North Korea. ``We are also extra watchful of any unusual activities online to detect any signs of computer hacking, DDoS and other cyber assaults by the North. We are closely watching traffic into and out of websites of Cheong Wa Dae, the National Assembly and other state bodies to avoid cyber attacks.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice said Tuesday that it will soon examine related laws and determine whether it is unlawful or not to set up a memorial center here for the late Kim.
It said it does not violate the law if twitter and other SNS users post messages only expressing simple condolences for Kim’s death.