South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission said on Jan. 5 it recently sent a special letter from its chair to all staff, instructing strict performance of duties based on law and principles and the establishment of public service discipline in major pending issues such as investigations into Coupang and KT.
Through the directive, the commission banned any private individual contact with external stakeholders that could pose conflicts of interest in cases under investigation or litigation. It also instructed the strengthening of an immediate reporting system for improper brokering and solicitation, and strict maintenance of security for information confirmed or obtained during investigations.
Chair Song Kyung-hee said there could be attempts to exert external influence and obtain information in the course of handling major pending issues such as investigations. She urged all staff to remain especially vigilant and handle their work fairly in accordance with law and principles, as public officials responsible for protecting personal information.
Chi-gyu Hwang
delight@d-today.co.kr