Disinformation law takes effect amid free speech backlash

South Korea’s new disinformation law took effect Tuesday, introducing punitive damages and new platform obligations while fueling a widening clash over whether the measure will curb online harm or suppress legitimate criticism.

The revised Information and Communications Network Act allows victims to seek compensation of up to five times the actual damages caused by maliciously spread false or manipulated information.

It also requires major platforms to develop procedures for reporting and handli ...