Rep. Joo Jin-woo Calls Upcoming Information and Communications Network Act "Gag Law," Vows Constitutional Appeal

▲ People Power Party Rep. Joo Jin-woo

People Power Party Representative Joo Jin-woo stated that he will file a constitutional appeal to challenge the unconstitutionality of social media censorship once the amended Information and Communications Network Act takes effect on July 7.

In a post on Facebook, Rep. Joo referred to the legislation as a "law to gag the public."

He argued that "the law is a hasty measure, as it does not even establish a body to determine what constitutes false or manipulated information," adding that it "clearly violates constitutional provisions, including the prohibition of prior censorship, the principle of non-excessiveness, freedom of the press and expression, and freedom of thought and conscience."

He further claimed that "this bill, which imposes excessive sanctions on social media and community operators, will trigger trade disputes with the United States."

The amended Information and Communications Network Act, effective from July 7, defines information that incites violence or discrimination, or severely promotes hatred based on race, nationality, region, gender, disability, age, social status, income level, or property status, as illegal.

In response, the Korea Communications Standards Commission has announced that it will strengthen its measures against discriminatory and hateful expressions online. (Photo: Yonhap News)

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