MIC to introduce Internet information rating system

In order to stem the growth of suicide, bomb manufacturing and other unethical sites, a voluntary information rating system will be introduced in the first half of this year.

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) unveiled plans Sunday to implement the rating system, saying harmful internet sites have become a social problem.

The policy will force sites that are deemed harmful in accordance with the Youth Protection Law to post statements to that effect. Parents and teachers will thus be able to use filtering software to block links to harmful sites.

According to existing laws related to telecommunications network use, in cases where a profit-making entity does not appropriately label harmful media, a fine of up to 10 million won and/or imprisonment for 2 years or less can be imposed.

With regard to suicide and bomb manufacturing sites, which have recently raised serious public concerns, the MIC will cooperate with the police and the prosecutor¡¯s office in continuing to monitor them.

Kim Tae-Han freewill@donga.com