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South Korea's Trade Minister Heads to US to Ease Digital Law Tensions

South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo has departed for Washington to address US concerns over a recently revised domestic digital law. The US State Department has stated the amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act could harm US-based online platforms and undermine free expression. Minister Yeo aims to clarify the government's policy intentions, which he believes have been misunderstood, during meetings with US trade officials and lawmakers. The public concerns voiced by a US Under Secretary highlight potential diplomatic and trade tensions between the two allies.

Key Points: S.Korea Trade Minister to US Over Network Act Concerns

  • US expresses significant concerns over S.Korea's Network Act revision
  • Law could negatively impact US online platforms
  • Revision aims to address false online information
  • Visit aims to prevent diplomatic and trade tensions
2 min read

Trade minister heads for US amid concerns over S. Korea's network act revision

South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo travels to Washington to explain a controversial online law revision that has sparked US concerns over free expression.

"It appears that our exact policy intentions may have been misunderstood. - Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo"

Seoul, Jan 11

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo on Sunday departed for Washington amid US concerns over a recent revision to a South Korean law aimed at addressing false and fabricated online information.

"We need to explain the government's exact policy intentions regarding the domestic digital legislation," Yeo told Yonhap News Agency ahead of his departure at Incheon International Airport.

The U.S. State Department has expressed concerns over the revision of the South Korean law, saying it could negatively affect U.S. online platforms and undermine free expression.

"It appears that our exact policy intentions may have been misunderstood," Yeo said, noting he plans to meet with officials from the United States Trade Representative, key U.S. lawmakers and business representatives during the visit.

The State Department has expressed "significant concerns" over a recently passed revision to a South Korean law aimed at addressing false and fabricated online information, saying that it would negatively affect U.S. online platforms and undermine free expression.

A spokesperson of the department made the remarks in response to questions from Yonhap News Agency, after Korea's Cabinet approved a motion to promulgate the amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act, following the National Assembly's passage of the revision.

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers also voiced concerns over the revision in social media posts -- in a public display of concern over the revision that stoked worries over the possibility of diplomatic and trade tension between the two countries.

"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 said. ROK is short for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

"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," the official added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The US calling it "censorship" is a bit rich. They are quick to point fingers but forget their own social media platforms have been used to spread massive misinformation globally. South Korea is trying to protect its citizens, what's wrong with that?
A
Aman W
As an Indian tech professional, I see both sides. Fake news is a real problem that needs tackling, but laws must be very carefully drafted to not stifle genuine discourse. Hope the Korean minister can clarify the intent properly in Washington.
S
Sarah B
This is a delicate balance. Free expression is vital, but so is preventing harm from fabricated information. The US concerns are valid from a business perspective, but public safety should come first. A respectful dialogue is the way forward.
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Vikram M
The US often talks about a "free and open digital environment," but whose freedom? The freedom of their corporations to operate without any local accountability? South Korea, like India, should make laws suited to its own social context. Jai Hind!
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Kriti O
With all due respect to the US stance, I think Minister Yeo is right to go and explain. Sometimes laws are misinterpreted. We've seen similar debates around India's rules. Direct communication between allies can prevent unnecessary trade tension. 👍

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