[Contribution] Setting Good Rules for Fair Election Information

The memory of a society is recorded and enriched with text, images, sound, and video, accumulating as cultural assets. While traditional media like newspapers and broadcasts have long led the recording, now, with the development of digital technology, anyone can record their experiences on various platforms. They broadcast live on YouTube, leave short and intense videos on TikTok, upload photos on Instagram, and post writings on Facebook. Thus, they have emerged as new platforms competing with traditional media.

The election campaign to elect a new president to lead the future of Korea is reaching its final stages. As the election becomes more intense, the competition to persuade voters online is also heating up. Under the pretext of verifying candidates and pledges, commentary and video records by one-person media overflow on each platform. The Public Official Election Act regulates all media reporting on elections through three election-related review committees. However, digital platforms are exempt from these administrative regulations. Most users who post election-related commentary and videos are not registered as media, and some do not even adhere to ethical guidelines. Therefore, the role of platform operators is crucial.

Naver and Kakao, registered as internet news service providers under the Newspaper Act, are obligated to supervise fair election reporting. Both platforms have prepared a special session for the 21st presidential election to deliver election-related articles, opinion polls, and ballot counting broadcasts, and have strengthened 24-hour comment monitoring. On the other hand, global platforms not registered as internet news service providers regulate themselves for actions other than political advertisements prohibited by the Public Official Election Act. In short, they rely on goodwill.

TikTok has formed a dedicated team for the 21st presidential election and strengthened monitoring to filter out false information and harmful content. It was also the first among global video platforms to mandate clear labeling on content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). It is also prohibited for government agencies, politicians, and party accounts to post false or opaque information. YouTube also bans the distribution of information or content that interferes with democratic procedures and prohibits content that promotes hate, discrimination, violence, or influences elections. Following TikTok, it has also mandated labeling for technically manipulated and altered content. However, some platforms do not actively judge the illegality and harmfulness of political expressions. The best election reporting is self-regulated and risk-reducing. However, when there is no voluntary practice, administrative regulation gains momentum. This is why the active role of global platforms for fair elections is important.

Sim Youngseop, Adjunct Professor of Media and Video Public Relations at Kyung Hee Cyber University