Student Corner Democracy & Free Internet
By Ryu Seung-kyun
Korean users of YouTube, the world's most popular video sharing Web site were disappointed in April when Google, the operator, blocked Korean users from uploading videos and commenting on its Korean-language site, in order to comply with the Korean government's new regulations.
The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) announced a new policy a few months ago which requires popular Internet sites to confirm users' identities and resident registration numbers. Regardless of the law's purpose, most citizens consider this as a measure to keep users from criticizing the Korean government.
Many users do not want their identity to be disclosed, especially when an issue is sensitive or political. They are afraid of being punished by the authorities. One Internet blogger, widely known by his penname Minerva, was prosecuted after posting critical opinions on the government's dealing with the economic crisis.
The new regulation should be removed in the interest of democracy. The new order may violate the right of free expression, which is guaranteed by the Constitution, and a core principle of modern democracy. Free speech on the Internet has played a crucial role in guarding democracy.
I believe it should be removed for three reasons: First of all, everyone can easily present his or her opinion on the Internet. No rules and procedures are needed to convey a message over the net. A post can be released at to the world as soon as the writer chooses to share it, while more traditional ways of conveying a message are more complicated.
Launching a protest over the Internet does not require individuals to file their protest with the local police or to develop efficient strategies to deliver their message to the public or authorities, as they would with street protests. Also, the physically challenged and senior citizens can participate because the Internet has no physical obstacles.
One of the reasons for expressing an opinion is to correct a problematic situation.
While the voice of a single person is not enough to confront the massive power of the authority, the World Wide Web can help a message spread rapidly and affect public opinion.
For example, a high school student's posting on internet portal Daum brought about historic candlelit demonstrations aimed at halting the import of American beef last year.
Finally, online discussion is peaceful. The Korean people paid a lot historically to establish democracy. In the mid 1990s, university students protested violently by throwing homemade gasoline bombs at police. As a result, many protestors and police officers were injured or killed. It is more unfortunate that such violent demonstrations still continue today. Free-flowing information can stop the tragedy by making people communicate and understand each other.
Any citizen can now share his or her opinion with others, or email their mayor, minister, or even the head of state.
Some may argue that not regulating cyber space will create other problems, such as defamation of character. Indeed, a couple of months ago, a group of people, who first met through the Internet, committed suicide together.
New problems may emerge but they can be fixed by advances in technology.
Free speech over the Internet can help secure democracy in this country and Koreans want freedom on the Internet as part of a strong democracy. The communication regulator should annul its real-name policy. It is time for Korea to become renowned not just for its advanced information technology but also for its ``Internet-made-democracy.''
Ryu Seung-kyun is a senior at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), majoring in computer science.