Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT explained on the 13th that “it is impossible to broadly restrict or suspend the use of communication services, which are fundamental rights of the people, even during a state of war or equivalent national emergency.”
Minister Yoo made the remarks while attending a meeting of the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information Broadcasting and Communications Committee. This explanation comes amid questions over whether the government restricted the public’s use of communication services on the grounds of the national emergency, following disruptions to access certain internet sites like Naver Cafe immediately after the declaration of martial law.
Minister Yoo noted, “Article 85 of the Telecommunications Business Act states that in case of a state of war or equivalent national emergency, the Minister of Science and ICT can restrict or suspend telecommunications services to secure major communications and set priorities for the use of communication services.”
He added, “This is to establish priorities for the use of communication services to secure important communications related to national security, military, and public order in situations where there are restrictions on communication due to a surge in call volume or the destruction of communication facilities.” Minister Yoo further stated, “I want to emphasize that it is impossible to broadly restrict or suspend the use of communication services, which are fundamental rights of the people, through this provision.”