US Raises Concerns Over South Korea’s Law On Deepfakes & Online Content

South Korea’s National Assembly has approved a law that allows courts to impose damages on news outlets and online platforms for publishing false or fabricated information, including deepfakes that causes proven harm.

The law permits punitive damages of up to five times the verified loss and authorises fines of up to 1 billion won for repeated distribution of information ruled false by a court. The measure follows the spread of misleading content on YouTube that influenced political events and led to the declaration of martial law in 2024. Media unions and civil rights groups have raised concerns about the definition of false information and its effect on press freedom, urging revisions or a presidential veto. The United States has expressed concern, warning that the law could affect digital cooperation and raise trade issues. South Korean officials say the law aims to address online harm. The bill passed with a 170–3 vote, despite opposition boycotts.