The Proposed Ban on the Recording of Conversations Will Act as a ‘Protective Shield’ for Those in Power

Representative Yoon Sanghyun’s proposed amendments to the Protection of Communications Secrets Act seek to criminally prosecute the recording of conversations in cases where all parties did not consent, even if the person recording was a party to the conversation. The amendment includes a minimum jail time of 1 year with up to 10 years in jail, and is in stark contrast with current laws, where only the recording of conversations of others is banned.

Open Net calls for the withdrawal of the amendment as it will greatly hinder investigative journalism and whistleblowing and will essentially act as a ‘protective shield’ for those in power.

*This is a partial translation of Open Net’s original statement in Korean. You can find the full Korean version here. Contact us at master@opennet.or.kr for more information.