The South Korean government convened a high-level meeting on February 26, 2026, led by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, to address the growing threat of AI-driven fake news. This policy initiative comes in response to increasing social concerns and the upcoming June 3 local elections. The meeting brought together multiple ministries and agencies, including the Broadcasting Media Communications Commission, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, National Police Agency, Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Ministry of Education. The primary goal is to establish a systematic, cross-government approach to prevent misinformation and safeguard democratic processes.
The new measures impact a wide range of stakeholders, including voters, public officials, media organizations, and educational institutions. The Broadcasting Media Communications Commission will serve as the central control tower, supporting fact-checking organizations and establishing a Transparency Center for information services. The Ministry of Justice has deployed specialized prosecutors to respond rapidly to election-related crimes, while the National Police Agency has set up dedicated task forces to monitor and investigate the spread of false information. The Ministry of Science and ICT is advancing deepfake detection technologies, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is expanding media literacy education to all age groups.
Implementation began in late February 2026, with agencies activating special investigative units and launching nationwide inspections of illegal election advertising. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety will conduct a month-long campaign to remove unlawful advertisements and operate anonymous reporting channels for violations. From March 5, joint inspection teams will be active in collaboration with local governments. The Ministry of Education is preparing a new digital media literacy plan for schools, to be rolled out in the second half of the year, including tailored teacher training and classroom resources.
Frequently asked questions include: What crimes are being targeted? Authorities are focusing on AI-driven fake news, black propaganda, official misconduct, and bribery in elections. How will offenders be punished? All violations, whether intentional or accidental, will be prosecuted strictly according to law. What support is available for media and education? Media organizations will receive assistance for self-regulation and rapid review of urgent cases, while schools will benefit from expanded digital literacy programs and expert instructors.
Metaqsol opinion: South Korea’s multi-agency strategy against AI-driven fake news is timely and robust, especially with local elections approaching. The establishment of new oversight bodies, enhanced law enforcement, and expanded media literacy education reflect a holistic response to both technological and societal risks. By targeting deepfake detection and supporting rapid media review, the government is addressing the evolving nature of misinformation. These actions are likely to strengthen democratic processes and serve as a model for other nations confronting similar challenges.