The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) will begin implementing optional facial recognition for mobile phone activations starting July 6. By the end of the year, the ministry plans to gradually introduce basic activation restrictions and strengthen management of corporate lines to prevent fraudulent mobile phone use.
On June 30, the MSIT announced a comprehensive plan to prevent mobile phone fraud during a press conference at the government complex in Seoul.
Since December of last year, the ministry has been conducting a pilot program for facial recognition during mobile phone activations as part of a broader government initiative to combat voice phishing.
Beginning July 6, facial recognition will be gradually implemented for mobile phone activations. Initially, users who opt for facial recognition will undergo at least one (and up to three) verification processes before completing the activation.
In addition to facial recognition, the government will expand identity verification methods. The Personal Information Protection Commission previously recommended improvements to the MSIT regarding unclear legal grounds, limitations on user choice, and minimization of data processing during its 10th plenary meeting on May 27. The National Human Rights Commission also expressed concerns about potential violations of basic rights.
In response, the MSIT will allow smartphone users to verify their identity using the mobile ID app from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. For those without smartphones, alternative verification will be provided using a resident registration certificate issued on the same day.
Starting in August, the ministry will develop enhanced multi-factor authentication methods that include additional alternative verification options. In September, the verification process will be automatically linked to checks for alterations or forgery of resident registration certificates.
In October, the ministry plans to clarify the legal basis for facial recognition through amendments to the Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act and complete the phased implementation.
Additionally, starting in November, the previously optional "activation restriction service" will be provided as a standard feature during mobile phone activations.
For foreign subscribers, the ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Justice to gradually enhance the identity verification system and strengthen requirements for one line per person.
To prevent crimes involving high-end smartphones being activated under another person's name through schemes like high-interest loans or job offers, the ministry will restrict the activation of expensive phones on installment plans. Furthermore, users will be informed about the illegality of burner phones during the activation process.
Oversight of telecommunications companies will also be strengthened. Previously, penalties for violations required a corrective order, but now immediate sanctions can be imposed without such orders. A "one-strike-out" policy will be introduced for dealers and retailers, allowing for immediate expulsion upon violations.
Improvements will also be made to prevent the misuse of corporate names. The ministry will enhance the registration verification system to confirm whether a corporation is operating normally and paying taxes. A registration system for actual users of corporate phones will be implemented for businesses with high bankruptcy rates.
The ministry will limit short-term, multiple line activations under corporate names. Guidelines will be issued to restrict corporate lines to four activations within 180 days, with inspections conducted at headquarters, branches, and dealers as necessary.
Efforts to combat fraudulent activations will continue. From September of last year to this month, the MSIT, the Korea Communications Commission, and the National Police Agency conducted joint inspections of mobile phone activation procedures for foreign prepaid phones. As a result, administrative penalties, including business suspensions, were imposed on companies like YG Telecom, Chingu I&C, and Hanpass International for fraudulent activations using copies of passports.
Additionally, procedures are underway to cancel the registration of Onsetelink, which falsely registered numbers as postal service numbers. The MSIT plans to continue focusing on vulnerable areas for inspections in the second half of the year and is considering implementing a reward system for reporting burner phones.
Choi Woo-hyuk, head of the MSIT's Information Protection and Network Policy Office, stated, "As burner phones have become a key tool in various crimes, strengthening identity verification during the activation process is an effective preventive measure to protect citizens' property and identity. We will work with relevant agencies to ensure that user choice and convenience are maintained while effectively preventing burner phones."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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