U.S. calls on Korea not to impose 'disproportionate' burdens under revised network act

A State Department spokesperson urged Korea Thursday not to impose "disproportionate" burdens on U.S. firms under its revised network act, expressing concerns that the revision could lead to excessive content regulation.

The spokesperson's remarks came as Korea started implementing the revision this week following its passage through the National Assembly late last year.

"The ROK should not impose disproportionate burdens on U.S. companies, nor use implementation as a mechanism to demand censorship of free speech," the spokesperson said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency. ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, Korea's official name.

"The United States remains dedicated to working with the ROK to promote a free and open digital environment for all," the official added.

The spokesperson pointed out that the United States has "significant concerns" that the revision "could enable excessive content regulation and undermine free speech."

"We expect continued dialogue with key stakeholders — particularly U.S. technology companies — to ensure implementation does not chill free speech," the official said.

The spokesperson noted that during her visit to Korea in April, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers was encouraged by her discussions with Seoul officials, who she found "engaged and knowledgeable" on the risks that "vaguely drafted provisions can lead platforms to over censor speech."

Yonhap