The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that starting July 6, facial recognition will be introduced as an option for activating mobile phones, but it will not be mandatory for users. Those who prefer not to use facial recognition can still activate their phones using alternative methods, such as mobile identification cards, even after October.
Choi Woo-hyuk, Director of the Information Protection and Network Policy Bureau, stated during a briefing on measures to prevent mobile phone misuse at the Seoul Government Complex on June 30, "Alternative methods are not a temporary measure; they will continue to be available. The facial recognition system being implemented on July 6 is simply an optional feature."
Addressing security concerns regarding the introduction of facial recognition, Choi asserted that there are no issues. He explained, "The information temporarily stored during the facial recognition process is encrypted during transmission. Unlike other methods, we do not store biometric data, and so far, no system-related problems have been identified. We will continue to review security enhancement measures as needed."
The ministry clarified its stance on the controversy surrounding the mandatory use of facial recognition. Users who do not wish to use this method can activate their phones with alternative identification methods, such as mobile identification cards or resident registration certificates. Choi emphasized, "Customers who are concerned about biometric authentication can use their ID cards as an alternative." Kim Jun-mo, head of the Communication Use System Division at the ministry, added that all three major mobile carriers and mobile virtual network operators have completed the necessary adjustments to allow phone activation without facial recognition through both face-to-face and online channels.
The government plans to gradually implement facial recognition in the mobile phone activation process starting July 6. Initially, only users who choose to use facial recognition will undergo at least one (up to three) authentication checks before proceeding with activation. If a user fails the facial recognition process but meets certain criteria, they will still be able to activate their phone using alternative methods.
In response to recommendations from the Personal Information Protection Commission and the National Human Rights Commission, smartphone users will be able to use a mobile identification app, while those without smartphones can utilize a resident registration certificate issued on the same day as an alternative authentication method.
Starting in August, the ministry will also review plans to enhance the multi-authentication system, including additional alternative authentication methods. In September, the verification of resident registration certificates for authenticity will be automatically linked to the identity verification process. In October, the ministry plans to amend the Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act to clarify the legal basis for facial recognition.
Choi stated, "While facial recognition is a robust identity verification system to prevent misuse, it cannot be made mandatory. Alternative methods will have to coexist."
During the phased implementation period, the ministry aims to minimize public inconvenience by allowing phone activation even if users fail the facial recognition process, provided they meet certain criteria. However, they will focus on monitoring distribution channels with higher-than-average failure rates or suspected fraudulent activations, while providing incentives such as rewards for high-performing dealers and distribution networks. Conversely, they will conduct inspections and crackdowns on underperforming or suspicious channels to ensure the system's successful implementation.
To prevent the misuse of foreign identities, the ministry will strengthen identity verification measures. In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, they plan to gradually introduce a system for verifying the authenticity of foreign identification documents. Choi noted, "The majority of cases of burner phone misuse involve South Koreans, followed by foreigners and corporations. The digitization of foreign registration cards is scheduled for the second half of this year, and we are working with the Ministry of Justice to implement passport verification starting next year."
The Ministry of Science and ICT emphasized that these measures are designed with South Korea's digital environment in mind. Nam Seok, Director of the Communication Policy Bureau, remarked, "South Korea is a leading country where financial transactions and identity verification are easily conducted via mobile phones. However, this convenience has also led to a rise in crimes involving burner phones, prompting us to continuously strengthen identity verification procedures. We ask for understanding that this initiative is a continuation of those efforts."
The Korea Telecommunications Operators Association, the Korea Association of Mobile Virtual Network Operators, and the National Mobile Telecommunications Distribution Association expressed their support for the government's comprehensive measures to prevent mobile phone misuse, stating, "We actively agree with the introduction of facial recognition and multi-authentication to eradicate burner phones used for crimes such as voice phishing. We will cooperate fully to ensure that the phased implementation of multi-authentication proceeds smoothly through promotion, education, and system enhancements."
They added, "We will also strengthen risk notifications and on-site training for users to prevent the rental of mobile phone identities under the guise of high-yield part-time jobs and durable goods loans."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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