"Macro Ban Law, Like Holding a Burglar Responsible Instead of the Burgled Homeowner"

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] "It's like telling a homeowner who was robbed, 'Why did you get robbed? We will hold you responsible.'

Professor Sangwoo Lee of Yonsei University Graduate School of Information pointed this out regarding the 'Real-time Search Term Act' currently under discussion in the National Assembly. He said this law is an excessive bill that not only fails to protect victims but also holds the victims responsible. In an interview with Asia Economy on the 31st, Professor Lee said, "If real-time search terms are manipulated by macros (automatic repetitive programs), from the perspective of Naver or Daum, their services are being disrupted, which means they are the victims. However, the bill being discussed in the National Assembly now is basically telling the victims to take responsibility themselves," he criticized.

◆ "Technology to Block Macros? Unmanageable"= The amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act, being discussed by the ruling and opposition parties, prohibits the use of macro programs for unfair purposes and bans manipulation of information and communication services using others' personal information. Because of this, it is called the 'Real-time Search Term Act (Real-time Search Manipulation Prevention Act)' or 'Macro Ban Act.' Additionally, service providers must take technical and managerial measures to prevent their services from being manipulated by users. What Professor Lee takes issue with is the part stating that 'service providers must take technical and managerial measures.'

He said, "Macro technology will continue to develop, and it is impossible for portal service providers to block it in advance," mentioning the reality that only after-the-fact measures can be taken. In this situation, specifying that 'service providers must take measures' is a toxic clause that excessively holds service providers responsible. This is why Professor Lee criticized it as "a law made by politicians who do not understand technology."

He also argued that issues of infringing users' freedom of expression are ultimately related to service providers. Professor Lee said, "(Regarding comments) if restricted by law, users will be intimidated and the 'playground' will disappear," adding, "Portals have grown because of such services, but as the playground gradually disappears, people will move to Facebook or Instagram." He explained that if the bill passes and domestic portal service providers' positions shrink, only overseas service providers like YouTube will benefit.

◆ "Hard to Find Overseas Cases"= Regarding the search term war that flared up last August related to the Cho Kuk incident, Professor Lee stated that it is not a problem overseas at all. He said, "Overseas, freedom of expression is paramount, so this issue has never been raised," adding, "A law that blocks political support positions itself can be a very ridiculous law." He also elaborated on the negative aspects of macros, saying, "Our country's criminal law already regulates macro manipulation as 'obstruction of business.' Punishing it with that is sufficient."

Regarding why the U.S. leads in online platform services, Professor Lee explained it as 'minimizing government intervention.' He said, "Online platform services require creative technology," and advised, "Rather, if service providers are given autonomy, they will control themselves to prevent commercial or abusive incidents."