[Hankyoreh, September 16 2008] National Assembly Research Service critical of proposed Internet ‘real name system’

Gov’t should protect anonymity of cyberspace rather than promote system that could destroy freedom of expression, report says

The National Assembly Research Service released yesterday a report raising doubts as to the effectiveness of a “comprehensive real name system for the Internet” currently being pushed by the government and Grand National Party.


Through its report entitled “Points of Contention of the Internet Real Name System,” NARS said that arguments by netizens and many experts that the system, which would make mandatory the use of real names on material posted on the Internet, could destroy freedom of expression and the culture of free debate in cyberspace were persuasive. It said many were skeptical as to whether it was desirable to regulate the Internet by law or policy.