"Personal Information Protection Policy Status at a Glance" PIPC Publishes Annual Report

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The Personal Information Protection Commission announced on the 24th that it has published the "2020 Personal Information Protection Annual Report," which provides an overview of the personal information protection policy progress, achievements, and commission activities over the past year.

2019 is regarded as a year of significant changes in the personal information protection field, marked by the push to amend the so-called Data 3 Laws (Personal Information Protection Act, Information and Communications Network Act, Credit Information Act). The report comprehensively covers the achievements of South Korea's personal information protection policies, including those of 47 government ministries such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as well as 17 local governments, and also includes trends in personal information protection from major overseas countries and regions such as international organizations, Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

The detailed contents are organized into four parts: "2019 Policy Achievements at a Glance (Infographic)," "Part 1: Major Status of Personal Information Protection," "Part 2: Achievements in Personal Information Protection Policy Implementation," "Part 3: Major Performance by Institution," and "Part 4: Overseas Trends."

Key contents include ▲ efforts to amend the Data 3 Laws as a foundation for revitalizing the data economy, such as institutionalizing pseudonymous information and streamlining the personal information protection promotion system ▲ strengthening personal information security through revisions to the "Standards for Ensuring the Safety of Personal Information" ▲ expanding data subjects' rights through systems such as designating domestic agents for foreign businesses and compensation systems ▲ activation of self-regulation through revisions to notifications and the creation of industry-specific personal information processing guides ▲ achievements such as designating domestic APEC CBPR (Cross-Border Privacy Rules system) certification bodies.

Additionally, following the enforcement of the amended Data 3 Laws on the 5th, the appendix features a special section with an infographic on the "History of Personal Information Protection-Related Laws" and the "Key Contents of the Amended Data 3 Laws."

Yumin Kang, Director of the Personal Information Policy Bureau, stated, "As data utilization holds great significance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we will actively strive to meet the demands of the times while ensuring a society where personal information is safely protected."

The report will be submitted to the National Assembly in accordance with Article 67 of the Personal Information Protection Act. It will be available on the Personal Information Protection Commission website (www.pipc.go.kr) in e-book and PDF formats and accessible to anyone.