What did Korea's media watchdog say to U.S. lawmakers about the revised Network Act?

The Korea Media and Communications Commission said the revision does not disproportionately target American companies. It said the standards will be applied equally to domestic and foreign firms and that the amendment also includes protections for media freedom.

Why did the KMCC defend the revised Information and Communications Network Act?

The commission said the amendment is meant to address social harms caused by changes in the digital landscape and to strengthen protection for platform users. It also said the government is trying to explain the law further to lawmakers in Washington if needed.

How did the dispute over Korea's revised Network Act begin?

The clash followed an earlier letter from the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Jim Jordan, which raised concerns about the revised act and asked for a briefing on how it would be enforced. The law took effect in July after being revised to curb the spread of false information online.

Media watchdog sends letter to US lawmakers over Network Act pushback

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Summary

Korea's media watchdog sent a reply letter to Republican U.S. House lawmakers on Thursday, saying the revised Network Act does not disproportionately target American companies. The Korea Media and Communications Commission said the amendment aims to address social harms in the digital landscape and strengthen protection for platform users. It added that the standards will apply equally to domestic and foreign firms and that protections for media freedom are also included. The watchdog said it is open to further briefing if Washington lawmakers request it.

Key Facts

The letter was signed by KMCC Chairman Kim Jong-cheol and written under consultation with relevant ministries.
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Jim Jordan, sent a letter to the KMCC earlier this month expressing concerns about the revised law.
The revised Information and Communications Network Act took effect in July and is intended to curb the spread of false information online.
The government said the update reflects concern over disinformation amid the rise of social media and generative artificial intelligence.
The KMCC said it is prepared to provide further explanation if lawmakers in Washington request another briefing.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 20, 2026 8:30 pm KST
Updated Aug 20, 2026 10:30 pm KST

Kim Jong-cheol, president of the Korea Media Communications Commission, presides over a meeting at Government Complex Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, Aug. 12. Yonhap

Korea's media watchdog said Thursday it sent a reply letter to Republican lawmakers from the U.S. House of Representatives explaining that the revision to the Network Act does not disproportionately target American companies.

The letter was signed in the name of Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC)
Chairman Kim Jong-cheol and written under the consultation of relevant ministries, according to the media watchdog.

The KMCC defended the amendment, saying that the legislative upgrade is aimed at addressing social harms caused by changes in the digital landscape and strengthening protection for platform users.

It reiterated that standards will be applied equally to both domestic and foreign firms, adding that measures to protect the freedom of speech of media outlets are also stated in the revision.

South Korea's media watchdog is open to providing further explanation on the revision should lawmakers in Washington request further briefing, the letter added.

The document comes after the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Jim Jordan, sent a letter to the KMCC early this month, expressing concerns over South Korea's revised Information and Communications Network Act.

The revised law, which took effect in July, is intended to curb the spread of false information online. The government has said the update reflects growing concern over disinformation amid the rise of social media and generative artificial intelligence.

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