S. Korea says revised network act nondiscriminatory, vows continued talks with U.S.

S. Korea says revised network act nondiscriminatory, vows continued talks with U.S. SEOUL, July 10 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry said Friday the revised network act does not contain discriminatory provisions against foreign companies and it will continue consultations with the United States to address concerns about the legislation. The revised Information and Communications Network Act, which took effect Tuesday, requires major online platform operators, including Naver, Kakao, Google, Meta and X, to remove or block false and manipulated information. In response, a U.S. State Department spokesperson called on Seoul on Thursday (U.S. time) not to impose "disproportionate" burdens on American firms under the revised law, while warning its implementation could lead to excessive content regulation and undermine free speech. "The amendment was introduced to address social harms arising from changes in the digital environment and strengthen user protection," the ministry said in a press guidance. "It does not contain discriminatory elements against either domestic or foreign firms and respects freedom of expression as guaranteed under the Constitution." The ministry stressed the government has sought to explain the purpose and details of the legislation to the U.S. and other major stakeholders, and will maintain necessary communication with the U.S. side during its implementation process. graceoh@yna.co.kr (END) - Monsta X's Kihyun takes bold step beyond comfort in new solo project - BTS named La Plata 'honored guest' ahead of Argentina concerts - Kim Min-ha hopes 'Hana Korea' offers comfort not only to N. Korean defectors but everyone struggling - 'Hope' director Na Hong-jin turns to space to show how small tragedies can spiral - BTS teams up with British Museum to promote Korean heritage - (LEAD) Military airport in Gwangju selected as site for semiconductor production cluster - (LEAD) S. Korea, NATO to launch negotiations on basic procurement agreement: Seoul official - S. Korea to launch 4th next-generation medium-sized satellite from U.S. Tuesday - Kim Min-ha hopes 'Hana Korea' offers comfort not only to N. Korean defectors but everyone struggling - Buddhist sect to promote culture, cuisine during UNESCO heritage meeting in Busan - (LEAD) Heavy downpours cause flooding, damage, forcing over 600 to evacuate - Heavy downpours cause flooding and damage nationwide - U.S. calls on S. Korea not to impose 'disproportionate' burdens on U.S. firms under revised network act - N. Korea to expand intelligence agency's role against 'potential enemies' - Lee says will seek 'phased' denuclearization of Korea, calls for help from Mongolia as trusted partner