New gov't cybersecurity plan to require portals self-regulate against propaganda

Politics

New gov't cybersecurity plan to require portals self-regulate against propaganda

Published: 01 Sep. 2024, 18:15

SARAH KIM
kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr

New National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik speaks during a press briefing at the Yongsan presidential office in central Seoul on Sunday. [NEWS1]

The presidential office announced Sunday a new comprehensive plan to enhance national cybersecurity that will require portals and platform operators, such as Naver and YouTube, to strengthen self-regulation against online propaganda and agitation.

The presidential National Security Office (NSO) revealed its "National Cybersecurity Basic Plan," jointly developed with 14 government agencies, including the National Intelligence Service, prosecution and police.

Under the newly released plan, Korea will strengthen offensive cyber defense activities to better protect critical national infrastructure from hacking and other cyber threats that "undermine national security and interests." It will also work to counter disinformation that can divide public opinion in cyberspace and cause social unrest.

National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik said in a press briefing at the Yongsan presidential office in central Seoul that the plan could help better defend cyberspace against so-called "hostile forces" using the latest technologies, such as deepfakes.

The latest plan sets up 100 action tasks meant to expand on the National Cybersecurity Strategy announced at the beginning of February. Not all of the action tasks have been made public.

According to the NSO, the plan will enhance the cyber resilience of national critical infrastructure, such as major information and communication facilities and social infrastructure, as well as important information and communication systems widely used by the public. It also calls for adopting policies compatible with AI and digital platform environments.

It will also establish an information security industry ecosystem based on industry-academia research collaboration and pursue global competitiveness as it builds the foundation for its national cybersecurity capabilities.

The plan follows up on the government's National Cybersecurity Strategy announced on Feb. 1, which included implementation measures for strengthening offensive cyber defense activities, establishing a global cyber cooperation framework, enhancing the cyber resilience of critical infrastructure, securing a competitive edge in critical and emerging technologies, and strengthening operational foundations.

Other agencies that helped draw up the basic plan include the ministries of foreign affairs, national defense, science and ICT. The plan also reflected expert opinions from various fields, including international strategy, law and IT engineering.

"We will expand our diplomatic and security horizons to fit that of a global pivotal country," Shin said in the press briefing.

Shin previously served as defense minister and was tapped as national security adviser to replace Chang Ho-jin, who was tapped as special presidential adviser for foreign affairs and security last month.

Regarding the successive diplomatic and security appointments, he said, "These are appointments to kill two birds with one stone, strengthening both diplomacy and security."

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]