Korea launches facial authentication for mobile sign-ups

Facial authentication was introduced into mobile phone activation procedures on Tuesday in an effort to eradicate so-called “ghost phones” used in voice phishing scams. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the country’s three mobile carriers — SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus — along with mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), are required to apply the procedure to both in-person and non-face-to-face transactions when the policy is officially launched in March. Under the current system, the authenticity of an ID card is verified by linking with the issuing authority. The new procedure adds biometric authentication that compares the ID photo with the applicant’s real-time facial image. The government will operate the system on a trial basis for three months to give users and businesses time to adapt, with full implementation scheduled for March 23. If facial authentication fails, mobile phone activation may still proceed under exception rules. Authorities also plan to strengthen on-site guidance, particularly for older users who may be less familiar with digital devices.