Continued Controversy Over Personal Data Leaks
Mandatory QR Code Use Limited to Specific Facilities
Minimal Effectiveness, Inconvenient for Elderly
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Controversy continues over various entry logs introduced to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). As the number of new confirmed cases drops to double digits, the preparation of logs has become lax, and issues related to personal information protection are continuously raised.
Around noon on the 21st, at a restaurant near Hongdae Entrance Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul. This place, which is always crowded during lunchtime, did not require customers to fill out logs separately. This was in contrast to most nearby restaurants that mandate QR code verification or handwritten log entries. Although a handwritten logbook was left unattended at the counter near the entrance, few customers voluntarily filled it out. Mr. Kim, who dined here, said, "I saw the logbook, but since no one specifically asked me to write, I didn't pay much attention."
On Sunday the 20th, a franchise cafe located in Wolmi Theme Park, Jung-gu, Incheon, had a similar situation. The cafe was so crowded with citizens on a weekend outing that there was a long line, but no visit verification was conducted at all. Three employees focused only on taking orders and preparing drinks, while the handwritten logbook left on the table was ignored by the customers.
There are also problems even in places that strictly check visit records. In the case of handwritten logs, concerns about personal information leakage have been ongoing, and there is no proper way to verify false entries. Although it is possible to compare the log entries with ID cards, most business owners feel burdened by the potential conflicts that may arise with customers during this process.
Electronic entry logs, known as QR codes, have also not been very effective. This is because mandatory application facilities are limited to high-risk places such as hunting pubs, karaoke rooms, large academies with over 300 people, buffets, and PC rooms. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as of this month, the number of facilities applying electronic entry logs is 263,209, which is only 10.6% of the National Tax Service’s lifestyle-related business facilities. Some restaurants have introduced QR codes, but for the elderly who are vulnerable to using digital devices, it causes additional inconvenience and sometimes leads to confusion on site.
Given this situation, some local governments are trying to overcome these issues by introducing a 'Caller Phone Number Entry Management System,' but it is limited to government office buildings. Starting from the 21st, Seoul City allowed the use of Zero Pay QR codes as electronic entry logs. Accordingly, from this day, entry certification is possible through Zero Pay QR codes installed in about 880,000 stores nationwide. A Seoul city official explained, "To prevent the prolonged spread of COVID-19, it is very important to check the movement paths of test subjects and to conduct rapid and accurate testing."
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