Broadcasting and communications commission adds staff to fight online misinformation

The broadcasting and communications commission said Tuesday it established two new departments and increased its staff to combat online misinformation and protect users in the value-added communication market.

Under the revised structure, the commission created the Information Integrity Policy Division and the Value-Added Communication Market Research Division within its Bureau of Broadcasting and Communications User Policy. These units will oversee planning for information integrity, supervise large-scale information service providers, and manage penalties for violations involving fake news or manipulated data.

To support these duties, the commission added permanent positions and temporary roles dedicated to location information activation and spam prevention. One temporary position focused on illegal spam prevention is scheduled to exist only until July 31, 2028. Additional staff members were assigned to monitor compliance obligations for broadcasters.

The decree extends the evaluation period for the Market Research Review Officer from September 2026 to September 2028 and clarifies the operational scope of the Transparency Center. The center will handle data submission requests and investigations regarding major digital platform operators, as well as support activities verifying the truthfulness of online content.

New provisions address the management of transmission qualification certifications, including policy formulation, operational oversight, and regular inspections. The commission updated its guidelines and checklists for these certifications on July 29.

Kim Jong-chul, chairman of the commission, stated that the revision implements the intent of upper-level laws designed to shield citizens from illegal and false information. He added that the body would strive to foster an online environment where constitutional values of free speech and public order maintain a proper balance.

The changes bring the commission's total general staff count to 280, up from 267. Several existing teams, including the Digital Communication Team and the Policy Promotion Team, are set to remain operational only until the end of 2026 before their functions are absorbed by other departments.