The U.S. State Department has voiced significant concerns over a recent revision to South Korea's Information and Communications Network Act, warning that it could negatively impact U.S. online platforms and undermine technology cooperation. The amendment, aimed at curbing false and fabricated online information like deepfakes, was passed by South Korea's National Assembly last week and approved by the cabinet on Tuesday. This has raised worries about potential diplomatic and trade tensions between the allies.
South Korea's National Assembly passed an amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act last week. The revision aims to prevent the spread of illegal and fabricated online information that incites violence and discrimination, with a particular focus on defamatory deepfakes, though it extends further.
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers voiced concerns over the amendment in social media posts on X on Tuesday. She wrote, "South Korea's proposed amendment to its Network Act, ostensibly focused on redressing defamatory deepfakes, reaches much further -- and endangers tech cooperation." She added, "Deepfakes are understandably concerning, but it's better to give victims civil remedies than give regulators invasive license for viewpoint-based censorship."
Rogers' remarks appear to stem from worries about the potential impact on major U.S. online platform companies, such as Google and Meta. The Donald Trump administration has sought to restore freedom of speech and end censorship.
A State Department spokesperson, responding to questions from Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday, stated, "The United States has significant concerns with the ROK government's approval of an amendment to the Network Act that negatively impacts the business of U.S.-based online platforms and undermines free expression." The spokesperson added, "The ROK should not impose unnecessary barriers around digital services. The United States opposes censorship and remains dedicated to working with the ROK to promote a free and open digital environment for all."
In a joint fact sheet released in November outlining bilateral trade and security agreements, the two countries committed to ensuring U.S. companies face no discrimination or unnecessary barriers in laws and policies concerning digital services, including online platform regulations. The revision has sparked concerns that it may contravene this pledge.
