Cyber Slander Law Stirs Public Sentiment

Date: October 07, 2008
Source: english.chosun.com


Controversy has flared up over Grand National Party's attempt to pass a law on online slander and real-name use on the Internet, stoked by the suicide of a leading actress last week who was apparently in distress over online rumors about her. Critics warn the law could lead to abuse of state power.

In a statement Monday, the Civil Coalition for Fairness in Media said, "If the GNP pushes for the legislation of a bill allowing prosecutors to investigate and indict cyber slanderers even if there is no complaint from victims, there will be grave infringements on privacy."

Similar offenses offline require a complaint from the victim to be investigated by prosecutors; not so the proposed law. Prosecutors can indict suspects of their own initiative unless victims actively object to the investigation.
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