The existing activation process for new mobile phone subscriptions or number portability, which previously required only a form of identification, has been replaced starting today (July 6) with a multi-factor identity verification system that includes facial recognition.

This measure is designed to prevent illegal activations through identity theft, the distribution of illicit burner phones, and voice phishing crimes. Moving forward, subscribers must undergo additional identity verification using one of three methods: facial recognition, a mobile ID, or a resident registration abstract issued on the same day.

However, as the activation process becomes more complex than before, user inconvenience due to authentication failures or a lack of required documents is expected during the initial implementation period.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the three major mobile carriers and budget phone service providers began applying the strengthened multi-factor authentication procedures—beyond simple ID checks—to all in-person and online channels starting today.

Consequently, applicants for new subscriptions or number portability must now verify their identity by choosing one of the following: facial recognition, a mobile ID issued by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, or a resident registration abstract issued on the same day.

Device changes, where a user switches only the handset within the same carrier, are not subject to these new requirements.

This measure was introduced to block illegal activations involving identity theft, thereby preventing public livelihood crimes such as the circulation of burner phones and voice phishing.

The government expects that by blocking identity theft at the activation stage, it will reduce related crimes, especially given that mobile phones are widely used as a means of identity verification for financial transactions and various online services.

However, some inconvenience is expected during the early stages of the policy implementation.

Facial recognition may not always function smoothly depending on the lighting environment or recognition results, and the alternative method, the mobile ID from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, requires a prior issuance process.

As the resident registration abstract must also be issued on the same day, users will need to prepare in advance, which may make the activation process more cumbersome than it was previously.

The government plans to introduce additional identity verification methods in the future and is pushing for the integration of a verification system for resident registration abstracts, as well as the refinement of related laws, within the second half of this year.

Furthermore, the government intends to strengthen the management of distribution networks involved in fraudulent activations to enhance the reliability of the mobile phone activation process.

(Photo: Yonhap News)