80% of Chat Apps' 'Location-Based Services' Unreported... KCC Requests Investigation

According to the Korea Communications Commission investigation, 90 apps
allowed location information access permissions
while omitting service reports

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] It was revealed by the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) that over 80% of random chat app operators accessed location information permissions without reporting it. The KCC has requested an investigation by the police authorities.

On the 12th, the KCC announced that it has requested an investigation by the National Police Agency into 90 chat app operators who violated the "Act on the Protection and Use of Location Information" (Location Information Act).

Following concerns that some random chat apps were using users' location information permissions without reporting as location-based service providers, the KCC inspected 277 conversational apps from 189 operators between February and March (provided by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family).

As a result, 157 apps from 111 operators were found to be using location information permissions, and among them, more than 80%, or 90 operators, were providing services without reporting as location-based service providers. The KCC plans to continuously monitor compliance with the Location Information Act, including whether location information business permits or reports have been filed and whether protective measures for location information are in place.

Vice Chairman Kim Hyun stated, "While I understand that the Secretariat must comply with relevant laws, not taking action until a decision is made on harmful activities could cause victims," and added, "Since 80% are abusing this and causing harm to the public, please accelerate corrective measures."

Chairman Han Sang-hyuk said, "We will thoroughly inspect to prevent misuse and abuse of location information so that the public can use location information services with peace of mind, and strengthen cooperation with related agencies such as the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the National Police Agency."

Meanwhile, the KCC also discussed and approved matters related to ▲ partial amendments to standards for disaster broadcasting and civil defense alert broadcasting ▲ establishment of detailed standards for continuous programming ▲ partial amendments to the broadcasting program scheduling regulations, among others.