US Republicans protest South Korea's disinformation law, citing free speech fears

Four Republican U.S. House members have formally protested South Korea's recently enacted "Disinformation Eradication Act," warning it poses a significant threat to online freedom of expression. The lawmakers, including House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, sent a letter to the South Korean government on November 6, demanding a response by November 20.

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significant threat to online press and expression

The new law, which took effect on October 7, allows for punitive damages of up to five times the actual loss for media outlets and YouTubers who intentionally distribute false or manipulated information. The U.S. representatives argue that the law lacks clear definitions for disinformation and its enforcement, raising concerns it could be used to censor politically unfavorable opinions and stifle free speech.

They specifically pointed to the law's criteria, which apply to content creators with over 100,000 subscribers or 100,000 monthly views. The lawmakers identified Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube as U.S. companies that could fall under this scope, suggesting South Korea might use the law to compel these platforms to remove content deemed politically disadvantageous.

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discriminatory treatment of American companies

This action follows previous accusations by Jordan and other representatives that South Korea discriminates against U.S. companies. In September, Jordan and Rep. Scott Fitzgerald released a report claiming South Korea's investigation into Coupang's data leak constituted discriminatory treatment of a U.S. company, violating a trade agreement. Rep. Darrell Issa and Rep. Michael Baumgartner also urged South Korea to cease discriminatory practices against Coupang in a letter to the South Korean ambassador to the U.S. in April.

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stop discriminatory treatment of Coupang