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South Korea’s Korea Communications Commission (KCC) banned access to 895 porn sites, shutting down even secure access (https) to these websites mid February, 2019.
The government uses “https ban”, according to KBS – to quickly check Web addresses entered into a browser before they are encrypted. They cut off public access to around 900 overseas-based Web sites with “https” addresses, including Pornhub.
Earlier this year, co-founder of Korea’s largest pornography website was sentenced to four years in prison. The site hosted thousands of illegal videos, many videos were taken by spycam in toilets and store changing rooms, or posted by ex-partners out for revenge.
The government says the measure is aimed at preventing the circulation of illegal material online.
Protesters believe it’s infringing individual freedom instead of protecting women. Others argue that the actual purpose is to conduct online censoring and surveillance of individuals. The http ban could enable the government to see what users type into their browsers.
More than 240,000 people signed a petition, requiring the top office to officially to respond. KCC issued a statement indicating that the policy did not include conducting internet surveillance of individuals.
Under South Korean law, creating sexual images without consent is punishable by a prison term of up to five years or a fine of up to $13,000. Distributing images for the purpose of profit is punishable by up to seven years in prison or a $39,500 fine.
In this Asian Boss video of street interviews, people explain how they deal with it – using P2P networks, social media, and redirecting IP addresses.
