Telecommunications & Media
Will phone activation face authentication land softly despite opt-out concerns?
South Korea’s science ministry is introducing face authentication in the mobile phone sign-up process from July 6 across major carriers and budget operators, while allowing users to choose alternative verification from the start. The ministry said the opt-out reflects recommendations from privacy and human rights bodies, but it plans to monitor dealers to prevent intentional bypassing. Critics question whether the policy can curb illicit phone lines if it is optional.