YouTube rejects real name system for S. Korean users

SEOUL, April 9 (Yonhap) -- YouTube, the world's largest video-sharing Web site,
said Thursday it has decided not to require South Korean users to use their real
names when they register.
The move marks a rejection of a South Korean government policy that requires
private information for online users. South Korea is the only country in the
world where Internet users are required to input their name and resident
registration number before subscribing to portals and other Internet services.
The Web site's decision will allow users to view YouTube content but without
being able to post videos or comments.
Watchers point out, however, that South Korean users will likely be able to post
videos on the site without difficulty if they set their country preference to
countries other than South Korea.
YouTube launched a Korean-language version of its service in January 2008 and has
since seen rapid growth in traffic to the site.
Starting from April 1, South Korea's real name registration system applies to Web
sites that attract more than 100,000 daily visitors, including YouTube.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
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