Amid the implementation of the amended Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (the so-called 'July 7 Act'), which imposes up to five times punitive damages for the distribution of online false and manipulated information, the opposition party's constitutional appeal—labeling the act a 'citizens' gag law'—has officially gotten underway.

On the 16th, People Power Party lawmaker Joo Jin-woo took to his social media account to announce the "start of signatures for the power of attorney for the citizens' gag law group constitutional appeal," urging public participation.

Rep. Joo criticized the amendment, stating that it "severely violates the principle of popular sovereignty, the prohibition of prior censorship, and the freedom of expression and thought." He appealed for public support, saying, "With all the things to copy, why try to turn our proud Republic of Korea into a gag-and-muzzle dictatorship like North Korea and China?" He added, "As sovereigns of the Republic of Korea, rebuke this arrogant power and pass down even greater opportunities and abundance to our daughters and sons."

The amendment, which took effect on the 7th, centers on holding intentional distributors of false and manipulated information liable for heavy punitive damages. However, the opposition party has called for its immediate amendment and suspension of effect, arguing that it is excessive prior censorship aimed at suppressing anti-government public opinion and possesses a high potential for unconstitutionality.

In response, Rep. Joo's camp has established a system allowing any citizen to easily fill out a power of attorney via a mobile phone link for the constitutional appeal and provisional injunction application. Attorney Shin Wan-soon is reportedly providing pro bono representation for this group constitutional appeal, while the automated signature link system was built by Honorary Youth Aide Lee Geon-ho.

Reporter Kim Do-hyung, Korea Youth Media (kimdiagram@kym.io.kr)