The Broadcasting Media and Telecommunications Commission, or Bamito Wi, will strengthen online platform self-regulation and conduct inspections of businesses to block the misuse of tracking devices for stalking and other violent crimes.

Bamito Wi said on Thursday it is beginning an intensified response to eradicate illegal location tracking and raise user awareness. The move follows reports of some sellers marketing and promoting tracking devices that encourage covert attachment, using claims such as "no personal data remains" and "no warning sound, so there is no risk of being detected."

Under the current Location Information Act, collecting, using or providing another person’s location information without that person’s consent is punishable by up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.

Bamito Wi plans to first require major online shopping malls, including Naver Shopping and Coupang, to display warning messages that note the possibility of criminal punishment when users search for "tracking device." On second-hand trading platforms such as Danggeun Market and Junggonara, it will have caution messages sent when users create posts or chat messages containing related search terms. It will also ask the Korea Online Shopping Association to strengthen self-regulation.

For about 3,200 location information businesses and location-based service providers, it will provide guidance on the illegality of selling and promoting products that encourage illegal tracking, and demand management and inspections. For businesses suspected of illegally collecting location information and operating without registration or reporting, it will conduct fact-finding surveys and request investigations by law enforcement authorities if laws are violated. In this year’s regular inspections, it will prioritise on-site inspections of global positioning system, or GPS, tracking service providers.

For illegal tracking devices on the market that have not received conformity assessment for broadcasting and telecommunications equipment, it plans a focused crackdown in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and ICT. It will also push for related system improvements and legal amendments.

Kim Jong-cheol (김종철), chairman of Bamito Wi, said those who track a person’s actual location without the other party’s consent can face heavy punishment, and users should be vigilant and refrain from using trackers illegally. He said the commission will continue to cooperate with relevant agencies and respond quickly to prevent crimes and 피해 caused by illegal use of tracking devices.