Police, Prosecutors to Crack Down on Internet ‘Incitement’

Police, Prosecutors to Crack Down on Internet ‘Incitement’. May. 07, 2008 08:17. fineday@donga.com ddr@donga.com.

Police and prosecutors Tuesday began examining if spreading false information on mad cow disease via the Internet and mobile phones is against the law.

A mass text message is urging middle and high school students to skip class on May 17 to protest U.S. beef imports. Police said they could punish those who sent the message by tracking its origin.

A source from the presidential office said, “There is a growing consensus that fundamental measures are needed to maintain partiality of public opinion on the Internet.”

One police source said the spread of the message could be considered infringement on a student’s right to education.

The Broadcasting and Communications Commission is also reviewing whether the message violates the Basic Law on Electric Communication.