The U.S. has warned that it will use all appropriate means, including visa restrictions and financial sanctions, against foreign governments, activists and groups responsible for restricting free speech under the pretext of combating fake news, disinformation and hate speech. Korea is vulnerable to such sanctions. Controversial legislation passed in December, which calls for massive fines on media companies and individuals accused of creating or spreading fake news, has come under renewed scrutiny following the U.S. announcement. In the Agency Strategic Plan (ASP) for Fiscal Years 2026-2030 unveiled last week, the U.S. Department of State warned that foreign governments, activists and international organizations that restrict free speech will pay a price. “For their own domestic political purposes, foreign governments have imposed restrictions on speech that would be unacceptable in the U.S., including enforcing conditions to operate or levying fines on technology and media companies that operate in those countries,” the plan states. “The Department will oppose efforts by foreign