- The government carries out a “Comprehensive Plan to Prevent the Fraudulent Use of Mobile Phones” through a “3+1” approach, where three preventive measures targeting identity theft, identity lending, and the misuse of corporate mobile phones, along with one post-activation measure to strengthen enforcement, will be implemented. - From July 6, phased implementation of the facial recognition system for mobile phone activation will begin. ▣ ❶Strengthening identity authentication at the activation stage (through the introduction of a multi-factor authentication system) to prevent people from falling victim amid increasing personal information leaks and the advancement of forgery and alteration techniques. ∙Following the pilot period, facial recognition will be implemented in phases beginning July 6 until the legal basis is established. - By incorporating recommendations from PIPC and NHRCK, alternative authentication methods to mobile ID cards and resident registration records will be provided to continuously improve the convenience and expand the use of such methods. - During the phased implementation period, if users opt for facial recognition, they must successfully complete facial recognition at least once out of three attempts. - Even if facial recognition fails, mobile phone activation will be permitted under certain conditions to minimize user inconvenience. ∙The foreign ID verification system will be improved and mobile line activation requirements will be tightened (second half of 2026). ▣ Strengthening measures to prevent ❷identity lending (“naeguje” phones) and ❸the misuse of corporate mobile phones ∙Users will be informed that the use of illegal burner phones is subject to penalties, risk-based screening will be conducted, and high-risk sales channels will be managed more thoroughly (October). ∙Corporate registration information will be cross-checked, while multiple line activations within a short period of time will be restricted (second half of 2026). ▣ ❹Continuous crackdowns on mobile carriers and retail outlets, along with strict penalties for illegal activities ∙Business suspension proceedings of three MVNOs and registration revocation proceedings against one VoIP service provider are underway (July). ∙Targeted crackdowns focusing on vulnerable areas and corresponding penalties will be continued in the second half of this year. ➡ The government affirmed that it will do its utmost to ensure users’ right to choice and convenience through strengthened public awareness campaigns, close cooperation with relevant agencies, and continuous oversight and improvement, thereby preventing the use of illegal burner phones.
[Relevant National Task] 23. Realizing a “Universal Basic AI Society” to enhance public safety and universal quality of life. |
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister: Bae Kyung-hoon) announced a Comprehensive Plan to Prevent the Fraudulent Use of Mobile Phones on June 30 as part of the follow-up to the government-wide measures to combat voice phishing introduced in August 2025. Recognizing that mobile phones have evolved beyond simple communication devices to become essential tools for financial transactions (banking) and identity authentication, the plan focuses on developing tailored countermeasures* for different types of illegal mobile phone use and strengthening enforcement and sanctions against such activities.
* ❶ Strengthening identity authentication at the activation stage (through the introduction of a multi-factor authentication system), ❷ Identity lending (so-called “naeguje” phones, meaning “phones that save me”), ❸ Strengthening measures against the misuse of corporate mobile phones ❹ Continuously inspecting mobile carriers and retail outlets and impose strict penalties for illegal activities
1. Prevention of “Unauthorized Use by Others (Identity Theft)”: Strengthening Identity Authentication through Facial Recognition and Other Methods
As there are growing concerns about identity theft crimes involving the acquisition of personal information through the theft or forgery of others’ ID or hacking, identity authentication procedures will be strengthened when activating a mobile phone.
※ In 2025, authorities detected 20,000 illegal burner phones (known locally as “daepoppon”) and voice phishing losses reached 1.3 trillion won. Although these figures have been declining since October 2025 after the vigorous implementation of government-wide measures, it is important to prevent fraudulent mobile phone activation from the beginning as personal information breaches are increasing and the advancement of forgery and alteration techniques has made it easier to obtain and misuse others’ personal information.
To this end, during the facial recognition pilot period (December 2025–June 2026), the system was applied across all channels (online and offline) of the three major mobile carriers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) to improve recognition accuracy. Additionally, the operational framework was reviewed through 308 designated retail stores, and security reviews* including checks for hacking vulnerabilities were conducted. In order to incorporate improvement recommendations from the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) and the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), and to minimize user inconvenience and confusion at sales locations, it was decided to implement facial recognition in phases starting July 6.
* Currently, original facial recognition data is not stored or retained. The data is deleted immediately after the authentication process is completed. Vulnerabilities related to personal data leaks were not identified during preliminary inspections.
During the phased implementation period beginning on July 6, if users opt for facial recognition, they can activate mobile phones after at least one successful facial recognition attempt (out of three) followed by subsequent procedures. Even if facial recognition fails, phone activation will still be permitted under certain conditions (conditional activation) to minimize user inconvenience. In this case, users should verify their identify through other means and the process should be recorded (including logs). In particular, reflecting the improvement recommendations from PIPC and NHRCK, alternative authentication methods will be provided to ensure users’ right to choice. Smartphone owners can authenticate through the mobile ID app provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) and those without smartphones (e.g., due to first-time activation or lost phones) may verify themselves using a copy of their individual registration (resident registration) record issued on the same day.
In August, the government plans to review ways to enhance the multi-factor authentication system to improve user convenience (e.g., eliminating the need to visit community service centers) by presenting additional alternative measures. In September, it will integrate verification of the authenticity of resident registration records into the identity confirmation process. In October, it will conclude the strengthening and phased implementation of identity authentication procedures by amending the “Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act” to clarify the legal basis for facial recognition.
▪ July 6 (Mon): The facial recognition system will be applied to three major mobile carriers and MVNOs across all channels (both online and offline).
※ During the phased implementation period, even if facial recognition fails, phone activation will be permitted under certain conditions including the recording of relevant circumstances. ※ The facial recognition system will initially apply to new mobile phone activations and number transfers. Simple device replacements within the same mobile carrier or MVNO are exempt, as users have already completed identity authentication. ※ The government plans to stabilize the system as quickly as possible by offering incentives such as certification and rewards to high-performing retail outlets (as well as mobile carriers) and strengthening oversight through inspections and investigations for underperforming retail outlets and mobile carriers.
▪ August: The government plans to consider similar practices such as the financial sector’s non-face-to-face identity authentication methods* and review ways to further enhance the multi-factor authentication system by continuously improving the convenience and expanding the use of alternative authentication methods. * A combination of at least two of the followings: ① A copy of an ID card (including the holder’s name and address) ② Facial recognition and video calls ③ Verification of an ID card during the delivery of access media (e.g., a bankbook or OTP) by mail ④ Bank account authentication ⑤ Others (biometric authentication)
▪ September: In cooperation with MOIS (for system integration), the government will establish a system to verify the authenticity of resident registration records and maintain records of verification results. ▪ October: The government will complete amendments to the “Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act,” which include the one-strike-out principle and the legal basis for facial recognition. |
In addition, starting from November, the “Subscription Restriction Service (msafer.or.kr),” which previously had to be applied for by users, will be provided by default when a mobile phone service contract is signed (to prevent unwanted mobile phone activation). Meanwhile, for foreign nationals, the government plans to work with the Ministry of Justice to gradually enhance the foreign ID verification system. It also plans to further tighten the requirements for line activation through the “one person, one line” principle, while allowing additional lines only upon justification (from the second half of 2026).
2. Prevention of “Unauthorized Transfer of Identity (Identity Lending)”
The government also plans to prevent individuals with poor credit and vulnerable groups from falling victim to identity lending crimes such as so-called “naeguje” loans*, where people are lured with promises of loans or high-paying part-time jobs in exchange for lending their identities. The prevention measures include: requiring mobile carriers to inform customers that using burner phones is illegal and may result in criminal penalties, requiring them to fulfill their duty to prevent such crimes (October 2026), and restricting mobile phone activation for high-risk groups, such as those who activate multiple high-priced devices on installment plans within a short period.
* “Naeguje” loans: A scheme that lures credit delinquents and vulnerable groups into activating a cell phone in exchange for a loan, and transferring the phone to criminals.
3. Prevention of “Misuse of Corporate Phones”
The government plans to implement measures to prevent the fraudulent activation of corporate mobile phones through the forgery or alteration of corporate documents, or the use of mobile phone lines activated under a corporate name by third parties who are not actual employees. The measures include: improving the system for verifying the authenticity of required documents, and requiring the registration of actual users for certain corporate mobile phone lines used by businesses with high default rates, and introducing a total line quota system (under which no more than four lines may be activated within a 180-day period) that limits the total number of lines, including newly activated and recently terminated lines.
4. Continuous Crackdowns on Mobile Carriers and Retailers, and Strong Penalties for Violations
MSIT (through its Central Radio Management Service or CRMS) has conducted joint inspections with the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) and the National Police Agency (NPA) from October 2025 to June 2026. Business suspension proceedings are underway against Youngjin Telecom, Chingu Inc, and Hanpass International after they were found to have engaged in fraudulent mobile phone activations. Registration revocation proceeding is also underway against Onsetelink for falsely displaying 02 and 070 numbers as post office customer service center number (1588-1300). The ministry plans to continue targeted crackdown by identifying vulnerable areas in the second half of this year, while reviewing the implementation of a reward system for reporting illegal burner phones to gradually improve the effectiveness of crackdowns on fraudulent mobile phone activations.
“Given that burner phones are used as a key tool in various crimes affecting people’s daily lives, strengthening identity authentication at the activation stage can be the most effective preventive measure that protects people’s property and identities,” Choi Woo-hyuk, Director General of the Cyber Security and Network Policy Bureau at MSIT said. “We will do our utmost through public awareness campaigns and cooperation with relevant agencies to ensure users’ right to choice and convenience while effectively preventing the use of burner phones.”
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Please refer to the attached PDF.