Page 2 - Press Arbitration News Today

Moon strengthens presence near end of presidency

South Korea will not pass its proposed “fake news” bill after backlash from critics that call it a move to prevent free speech.

"Disproportionate sanctions such as heavy fines can have a significant chilling effect on freedom of expression in South Korea," Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

President Moon Jae-in and his Democratic Party in South Korea have spent months vowing to stamp out what they have called fake news in the media. But lawmakers had to postpone a vote on a new bill this week when they encountered a problem: no one can agree on exactly how to do it.

Right groups warned that a proposed new law would discourage the media from reporting critically on powerful people.

Opposition politicians, human rights activists and both conservative and liberal leaning media organizations said the amendments would shield those in power from legitimate scrutiny.

A controversial "fake news" bill has gone back to the drawing board in South Korea following a backlash from media organisations, activists and opposition MPs.

South Korea's ruling party has backed down on a controversial bill to impose tougher penalties for the publication of false information, after critics at home and abroad labelled it a move to stifle a free press and critical coverage.

South Korea’s National Assembly should reject proposed amendments to the law on media arbitration that would undermine media freedom and freedom of expression, Article 19, Korean Progressive Network Jinbonet, Open Net Association, and Human Rights Watch said today in letters to President Moon Jae-in, National Assembly members, and the consultative committee reviewing the bill.

Koreas contentious fake news bill at crossroads