S. Korea considers monitoring the Internet

S. Korea considers monitoring the Internet

President highlights dangers of Web as Net-fanned furore over beef goes on

BRUTE FORCE: Protesters trying to overturn a police bus during a rally in Seoul yesterday against renewed US beef imports. -- PHOTO: AFP View more photos SEOUL - AFTER weeks of tumultuous protests inspired largely by South Korea's netizens, the country which claims to be the world's most wired society is considering new ways to monitor the Internet. President Lee Myung Bak highlighted both the benefits and dangers of the Web when he addressed a meeting last week on the future of the Internet economy. Mr Lee, grappling with IT-inspired mass protests over his earlier decision to resume US beef imports, called for the Internet to 'be a space of trust'. 'Otherwise, the force of the Internet could turn out to be venomous rather than beneficial,' he said, noting increasing damage from computer viruses, hacking, cyberterrorism and the leak of personal information. 'In particular, spam mail sent under the guise of anonymity and the spread of falsehoods and inaccurate information are threatening even rationality and trust,' said Mr Lee, who stopped short of mentioning the protests against him. The new President, caught by surprise by the wave of protests over mad cow disease fears, plans to appoint a secretary to study online public opinion. However, he has firmly denied any intention to censor cyberspace. The Korea Communications Commission said it would consider strengthening the identity verification system introduced last year to curb cyberbullying. This requires users to verify their identity - or registered nickname or pen name - when they post comments or opinions. Portal operators must disclose identities of cyberattackers if victims want to sue for libel or infringement of privacy. Commission official Kim Young Joo said cyberbullying and malicious online messages should be restricted, but she ruled out excessive regulations. 'The Internet is a place for free and open debate. Excessive regulations are feared to restrict freedom of expression,' she said. A report released last week showed that South Korea ranked first in terms of household access to the Internet among members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It said 94 per cent of households had Internet access, compared with an average of 58 per cent among the 30 OECD members. For years, the Internet has been a powerful political tool here. Cyberprotests and major candlelit protests broke out in 2002 following the death of two schoolgirls in a traffic accident involving a US military vehicle. The campaign helped to secure an upset presidential election victory for Mr Lee's liberal predecessor Roh Moo Hyun. The Internet's power has been proven again, with Mr Lee and conservative newspapers currently the target. Three major conservative newspapers have come under a well-organised cyberattack for allegedly biased articles. Media studies professor Kim Min Ki of Soongsil University described some postings as akin to cyberterrorism. 'Netizens can debate and express opinion freely, but they must refrain from posting malicious allegations or forcing others to follow their beliefs. This is tantamount to cyberterrorism,' he said. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE