National Assembly passes anti-fake news bill after opposition's filibuster

The National Assembly, led by the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), passed a contentious anti-fake news bill Wednesday after the opposition's 24-hour filibuster expired, ending a standoff between the rival parties. The revised Information and Communications Network Act was put to a vote during a plenary session, a day after the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) launched a new filibuster to stall the procedure. The anti-fake news bill defines false or fabricated information and seeks to ban its circulation across telecommunication networks. It also includes a provision holding media outlets and YouTubers liable for punitive damages of up to five times the amount of losses if they spread disinformation for illicit gains and cause harm to others. The bill also stipulates that anyone who defames another individual by stating facts with an intent to slander will be punishable by a prison term of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won ($20,593). The opposition has denounced the bill as an attempt to silence the media and infringe on freedom of expression, while the ru