Global Affairs Lab: South Korea's Digital Regulations Align with EU's Digital Markets Act Standards

Global Affairs Lab reported that South Korea's digital regulations align with global regulatory trends rather than targeting U.S. tech firms. The policies reflect principles similar to the Digital Markets Act of the European Commission. The report notes that the rules apply equally to domestic platforms like Naver and Kakao as well as global companies such as Apple, Google, and Meta Platforms, aiming to strengthen platform accountability, digital safety, and fair competition.
SEOUL, South Korea - April 7, 2026 - Global Affairs Lab, an international research institute specializing in global governance and U.S.-Korea relations, has released a comprehensive assessment evaluating South Korea's recent digital regulations. The report examines these policies within the context of the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and evolving international regulatory trends.

The analysis concludes that South Korea's regulatory framework is not an isolated policy targeting U.S. companies, but rather a strategic alignment with a broader global shift toward platform accountability and digital safety.

"There is a narrative suggesting that these rules specifically target American tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta," said a lead analyst at Global Affairs Lab. "However, our assessment confirms that these measures are part of a synchronized global effort to modernize digital governance, mirroring the stringent oversight already implemented by the European Commission."

Key findings from the Global Affairs Lab assessment include:

Consistency with the EU's DMA Standards

South Korea's approach mirrors the regulatory logic of the EU's Digital Markets Act. Much like the EU's designation of "gatekeepers," South Korea's rules mandate interoperability and transparency for platforms with dominant market power. Global Affairs Lab notes that South Korea is adopting the "New Global Standard" for digital stability, similar to the EU's recent enforcement actions against Apple's App Store and Meta's data practices.

Equal Application to Domestic Giants

The analysis emphasizes that these rules are based on "market influence," not nationality. South Korean tech giants, such as Naver and Kakao, are subject to the same rigorous standards as international firms. This ensures a "fair playing field," preventing monopolistic practices that could stifle innovation within the local digital ecosystem.

Prioritizing Digital Human Rights and Safety

The assessment highlights that the primary driver for these regulations, including aggressive measures against AI-generated deepfakes and misinformation, is the protection of citizen rights. As platforms function as essential public infrastructure, South Korea's response aligns with global efforts to hold data custodians accountable for societal impacts.

A Shift from "Trade Conflict" to "Infrastructure Safety"

Global Affairs Lab suggests that rather than viewing these rules through the lens of trade-related conflict, they should be understood as an essential update to the "Digital Rules of the Road." The goal is to ensure that large-scale platforms operate with a level of responsibility commensurate with their influence.

Global Affairs Lab will continue to provide independent analysis on how Northeast Asian digital policies intersect with international trade and security standards.

For the full report, visit: https://www.globaf.org/

About Global Affairs Lab

Global Affairs Lab is an international affairs research institute focusing on U.S.-Korea relations, Northeast Asian geopolitics, and global digital governance. Based in Seoul, the lab provides strategic insights for policymakers and international stakeholders.

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Website: http://www.globaf.org

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