South Korea will implement an amended Information and Communications Network Act on July 7, allowing up to five times punitive damages and fines of up to 1 billion won for distributing false or manipulated information. The law applies to those who post and circulate content, including comments, and platforms can delete or limit exposure after reviewing reports under their policies. Private messaging is excluded, but open chat services may be covered. Platforms make initial determinations, while courts make final rulings on falsity and liability.

South Korea\'s cable TV system operators urged the government to ease their broadcast development fund burden, stressing local channels\' role as public infrastructure. At a seminar at the National Assembly on June 30, speakers said local channels provide closely targeted reporting, election coverage and disaster broadcasting. Researchers presented a hyperlocal media index and said cable channels in South Gyeongsang and Ulsan outperformed terrestrial and private broadcasters in local coverage. Regulators said more discussion is needed.