Republic of Korea: Amendment to Copyright Act including content moderation regulation enters into force

On 11 May 2026, the amendment to the Copyright Act enters into force. The Act applies to online service providers and other actors involved in the distribution of copyright-protected content. The Act establishes an enforcement framework for illegal online content, including recognising the operation of websites and services that provide access to infringing content via links as copyright infringement, and enabling authorities to order the deletion of infringing content and the blocking of access to such content. The Act also introduces an emergency blocking mechanism allowing rapid restriction of infringing content in urgent cases, subject to subsequent review and possible lifting. In addition, the Act strengthens investigative powers, including allowing competent authorities to access premises and conduct inspections. The Act further increases civil liability by allowing courts to award damages of up to five times the recognised loss in cases of intentional infringement and increases criminal penalties to up to seven years’ imprisonment or fines of up to KRW 100 million.