Should Twitch, Netflix pay for causing massive internet traffic? Fierce debate in South Korea

망사용료 분쟁: 넷플릭스, 유튜브 등, 망 이용대가를 내야할까? Game streaming platform Twitch lowered its maximum video quality only in South Korea, amid an ongoing debate over the country's so-called network usage fee. There’s been a years-long battle between major internet service providers in the country – and global streaming platforms such as YouTube and Netflix over who should pay for the massive amount of data used for online content. With the explosive growth of online streaming, broadband service providers have been complaining about extra costs incurred on their part – claiming that foreign content providers are "free-riding" and profiting without paying access fees like local companies do. These companies are crying foul, as such laws don’t exist anywhere else in the world – they say the charge will only lower content and service quality for consumers. As this issue is being debated in parliament, we ask today, are network usage fees fair and who should foot the bill? Joining us to discuss is PARK Kyung-sin, Professor Korea University Law School and Director of Open Net Korea and KIM Sang-yoon, Attorney at Lawfirm Gangnam LLC. 1. Professor Park: First, network usage fees are something that is unique to Korea. How would imposing fees on global companies using Korean internet networks work? 2. Professor Park: What is the backdrop of this debate over whether network fees should be imposed or not? 3. Mr. Kim: Why are South Korea's internet providers so adamant about getting network usage fees when no other country in the world does this? 4. Mr. Kim: There are concerns that end-users of the content, not content providers, will be responsible for the cost of network access. Would this be the case? How would consumers be affected? 5. Professor Park: Netflix has refuted calls for network fees with the “net neutrality” principle – what is their argument? 6. Professor Park: There are concerns that as the operating costs of global platforms such as Netflix and YouTube increase, the burden will take a toll on local content – from production companies to YouTubers. How would they potentially be affected? 7. Mr. Kim: Also, some are worried that increased network fees will thwart business investment in South Korea. Do you share this concern? 8. Mr. Kim: What should be done to improve network access and quality of internet usage in South Korea? That's where we must leave things, PARK Kyung-sin, Professor Korea University Law School and Director of Open Net Korea and KIM Sang-yoon, Attorney at Lawfirm Gangnam LLC, thank you for joining us. Thanks to our viewers around the world. We'll be back tomorrow with more insights on issues making headlines around the world. Have a good one wherever you are. Bye. #Netflix #internet_traffic #Global_Insight