Starting today, July 6, the process for signing up for a new mobile phone service or switching carriers has become more stringent. The previous method, which only required presenting an identification card, has been replaced by a multi-factor identity verification system that includes facial recognition.

This measure is designed to prevent illegal activations through identity theft, the distribution of "daepo" phones (illegal phones registered under someone else's name), 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 has become more complex than before, some user inconvenience is expected in the early stages of implementation, such as authentication failures or a lack of required documentation.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the three major mobile carriers and budget phone providers began applying the enhanced multi-factor authentication procedures 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 only switches 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 distribution of daepo phones and voice phishing.

The government expects that by preventing 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.

Nevertheless, some inconvenience is anticipated during the initial phase of the policy.

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

The resident registration abstract issued on the same day also requires advance preparation, which may make the overall activation process more cumbersome than before.

The government plans to introduce additional identity verification methods in the future and is pushing to link the verification system for resident registration abstracts and refine related laws within the second half of this year.

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

Initially, the government pushed for the full-scale adoption of facial recognition. However, after the Personal Information Protection Commission and the National Human Rights Commission of Korea raised concerns regarding the lack of legal grounds and potential infringement on fundamental rights, the system was supplemented to allow for alternative authentication methods.

The government plans to amend the Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act this coming October to clarify the legal basis for facial recognition and link the authentication system for resident registration abstracts within the second half of the year.

Additionally, requirements for activations have been significantly strengthened, including the introduction of a one-line-per-person policy for foreign nationals.

Regarding concerns over the leakage of facial information, the government has ensured security by not storing original images and destroying them immediately after the facial comparison is completed.

Along with these institutional improvements, the government is also conducting crackdowns on illegal distribution networks. It is currently in the process of suspending the operations of Youngjin Telecom, Chingu I&C, and Hanpass International, and is proceeding with the registration cancellation of Onse Telecom for their involvement in illegal activations.

(Photo: Yonhap News)