South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT is implementing stricter identity verification for new mobile subscriptions and number transfers starting this Monday [1].
These measures aim to disrupt the infrastructure used by criminals for voice-phishing scams and the illegal registration of mobile phones through identity theft [1]. By increasing the difficulty of fraudulent activations, the government seeks to protect citizens from financial loss and systemic security breaches.
Under the new guidelines, the previous system that relied primarily on physical ID cards is being replaced [1]. Customers must now use more secure methods to verify their identity, including facial recognition technology, or a verified mobile ID [1]. Alternatively, individuals may provide a resident registration certificate issued on the same day as the application [1].
The shift comes as part of a broader effort to modernize the national security framework regarding telecommunications [1]. The Ministry of Science and ICT said the updated requirements will apply to both new line activations and the process of transferring existing numbers between carriers [1].
By requiring same-day documentation or biometric data, the government intends to close loopholes that allowed fraudsters to use stolen or forged identification documents [1]. This transition reflects a move toward digital-first verification, reducing the reliance on static plastic cards that are easily replicated or stolen [1].
Officials said the new protocols are designed to balance security with accessibility, ensuring that legitimate users can still activate services quickly while creating significant hurdles for criminal organizations [1].
“Stricter identity verification will be required for new mobile subscriptions and number transfers.”
This policy shift signals South Korea's transition toward a 'zero-trust' identity model in telecommunications. By integrating biometric data and real-time government certification, the state is attempting to decouple mobile service access from easily forged physical documents, targeting the root cause of 'burner' phone networks used in large-scale phishing operations.
