[The Chosun Ilbo, January 14 2008] Portals Facing Tighter Control Under New Gov't

Korea's Internet portals will no longer be allowed to change the headlines of articles presented by newspapers.

The Presidential Transition Committee said Sunday that the Ministry of Information and Communication submitted a report on strengthening regulations on Internet portals that included the ban on the grounds that changing headlines is a violation of copyright laws.

The ministry also said in the report that it will discuss with relevant agencies measures to hold portals as well as media companies accountable for incorrect articles. It also raised the need to regulate the manipulation of search rankings on portals.

A Transition Committee official said, "The incoming administration will tightly regulate the manipulation of search rankings on portals because it can result in the manipulation of public opinion, causing serious havoc with national policy-making decisions."