Internet policy in Korea: A preliminary framework for assigning moral and legal responsibility to agents in internet activities

Although the internet has become increasingly pervasive in our daily lives and interactions and has impacted existing social norms and ethics, very few studies have examined the relationship between the internet and ethics. In the face of increasing numbers of internet-related ethical violations, this lack of research constitutes a policy vacuum. This study investigates ethical controversies in cyberspace by examining actual events that occurred in South Korea, such as the “dog poop girl” incident, the suicide of a famous actress, a candlelight vigil against U.S. beef imports, and the arrest of a blogger named “Minerva.” The study proposes a preliminary framework for evaluating ethical issues occurring on and via the internet, focusing on the agent's moral and legal responsibility and on internet regulation.

► This study investigates ethical controversies by examining four noteworthy cases of irresponsible internet behavior in South Korea.
► A preliminary framework is proposed for evaluating internet ethical issues, focusing on agent’s moral and legal responsibility and on internet regulation.
► The proposed framework underscores the difference between unethical and unlawful behaviors and further stress the importance of balancing both rights and the duties.