April 20, 2024
Mobile & Internet
Science minister hints at regulating Naver
[THE INVESTOR] Science, ICT and Future Planning Minister Choi Yang-hee said on Oct. 14 that it would be right to regulate the country’s No. 1 Internet portal operator Naver if it is found to have engaged in any unfair practice against media outlets.
“I think it would be right to regulate (Naver) if it is found to be abusing its market control or monopoly in an aim to engage in irregular practices regarding contracts (with news outlets),” Choi said during an annual audit at the National Assembly.
The remarks come amid criticism that Naver, the nation’s biggest search engine where most South Koreans consume online news materials, exerted excessive influence against local news organizations.
“Naver has not released information on its advertisement revenues generated from news content provided by local media.
Moreover, it has not shown any move to share such ad earnings with media outlets,” said Rep. Kang Hyo-sang of the ruling Saenuri Party.
In response, Choi said relevant government agencies are looking into the alleged irregularities and the ministry would cooperate with them if necessary.
(theinvestor@heraldcorp.com)
“I think it would be right to regulate (Naver) if it is found to be abusing its market control or monopoly in an aim to engage in irregular practices regarding contracts (with news outlets),” Choi said during an annual audit at the National Assembly.
The remarks come amid criticism that Naver, the nation’s biggest search engine where most South Koreans consume online news materials, exerted excessive influence against local news organizations.
“Naver has not released information on its advertisement revenues generated from news content provided by local media.
Moreover, it has not shown any move to share such ad earnings with media outlets,” said Rep. Kang Hyo-sang of the ruling Saenuri Party.
In response, Choi said relevant government agencies are looking into the alleged irregularities and the ministry would cooperate with them if necessary.
(theinvestor@heraldcorp.com)
