Portals pushed not to edit news posts

The nation’s portal sites are being pushed to change their practice of modifying the titles or changing the order of articles provided by local news agencies, according to the Ministry of Information and Technology.
The Information Ministry will ask President-elect Lee Myung-bak’s transition team to implement a new law in an attempt to curb the increasing influence of the portals. The sites have been editing headlines and changing the order when they post articles on the Web, acts considered by the Information Ministry to manipulate public opinion.
“Currently, there are no rules to regulate portal sites’ editing of articles. That’s why we’re seeking reasonable rules so that they cannot distort the original meaning of news articles,” said a ministry official.
The ministry also said the sites must take responsibility for incorrect information in articles, which might cause a violation of privacy. Currently, people who fall victim to inaccurate information posted by portals have no way of seeking compensation because the sites are classified as Web sites, not as news agencies.
Civic organizations and politicians also have been asking for laws that can control the portals’ editing of articles.
“More than 80 percent of Internet users get access to domestic news through Web portal sites. The thing is that portals, especially those with clout, manipulate the article rankings and titles,” said Choung Byoung-gug, a member of the Grand National Party.
“Web portals have to deliver information but they are trying to influence public opinion. They are also violating the intellectual property rights of the press by manipulating articles. We need more specific, sophisticated laws that can regulate them,” Choung added.

By Sung So-young Staff Reporter [so@joongang.co.kr]