Suspicions Arise Over Article Ranking Adjustments
Investigation to Begin as Early as Next Week
Fines Up to 3% of Sales for Legal Violations
The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) announced on the 1st that it plans to conduct an emergency investigation into allegations that Naver intentionally manipulated its news search ranking algorithm.
Previously, there were suspicions that Naver adjusted the algorithm determining the order in which news articles appear in search results to prioritize certain terrestrial broadcast news first. The KCC is reviewing whether Naver's algorithm violates the Telecommunications Business Act by undermining fair competition or user interests. The investigation is expected to begin as early as next week.
In the initial investigation, the KCC will verify whether Naver violated the law, and if there is a possibility of legal violations, it will proceed to a fact-finding investigation. If violations are confirmed during the investigation, a fine of up to 3% of the sales revenue, as prescribed by presidential decree, may be imposed.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
