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.

South Korea is set to introduce facial authentication for mobile phone activations in July, a month away, but market unease remains. The Ministry of Science and ICT extended pilot operations to June 30 after industry pushback and has tested alternative methods such as PIN verification in a mobile ID app, video calls and fingerprint or iris checks. The National Human Rights Commission and the Personal Information Protection Commission have urged improvements, while distributors warn of delays, complaints and unclear accountability.