Numerous Phone Stores Deceive Disabled Customers... "Mandatory Information Disclosure"

"Offering 'Cheap Sales' to Activate High-Priced Phones
Damage Amounting to 200 Million Won, Mostly Affecting People with Developmental Disabilities"

Person A with developmental disabilities was enticed by an employee at a mobile phone distribution agency who said, "We will give you a phone at a cheap price," and opened a new smartphone contract. However, contrary to the promise, the agency employee signed Person A up for several high-priced mobile phone devices with the most expensive plans, causing Person A to have to pay communication fees exceeding several million won.

Can the method of making people with disabilities open contracts for expensive smartphones and extracting communication fees be eradicated? On the 3rd, Kim Sang-hee, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, took the lead in proposing the "Partial Amendment to the Act on Prohibition of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities and Remedy Against Infringement of Their Rights" (Disability Discrimination Act) to prevent such damages.

This bill mainly prohibits mobile communication service providers, agencies, and retailers from restricting, excluding, separating, or refusing customers with disabilities when selling devices and plans. It also includes conditions requiring clear notification of costs, plans, and service terms so that persons with disabilities can make reasonable choices.

Smartphone subscription damages among persons with disabilities: 63% are developmental disabilities

Some mobile phone dealerships are causing public outrage by activating expensive smartphones for people with disabilities and charging them exorbitant communication fees. / Photo by Yonhap News

According to data received by the lawmaker’s office from the Korea Disabled Consumers Union, from January 2021 to the end of 2022, there were a total of 147 cases of smartphone subscription damages targeting persons with disabilities. Among these, 93 cases (63.3%) involved persons with developmental disabilities.

Some companies proceeded with contracts by telling persons with developmental disabilities that "device costs will not be charged," only to later bill the device payments in installments or sell expensive devices without any explanation.

In fact, last year, the Disability Discrimination Promotion Coalition (Jangchuryeon) revealed cases of smartphone sales discrimination targeting persons with developmental disabilities. There were cases where multiple expensive smartphones were opened at once, SIM cards were stolen and sold, or persons with disabilities were exploited for loans.

Kim Sang-hee, Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Yonhap News

According to the Korea Disabled Consumers Union, the amount of related damages reported to the Disabled Consumer Damage Relief Counseling Center in 2021 reached 204.7 million won.

Regarding this, Representative Kim said, "Although cases of smartphone subscription damages to persons with disabilities have been repeatedly confirmed, it is assumed that there are many more cases that have not surfaced," and emphasized, "If the amendment passes, it will be possible to prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities in the process of purchasing smartphone plans and devices."

In addition to Representative Kim, the amendment bill was co-sponsored by Democratic Party members Kim Du-gwan, Kim Seung-nam, Kim Jeong-ho, Park Yong-jin, Yoo Jeong-ju, Yoon Jun-byeong, Lim Jong-seong, Jeong Seong-ho, Jeong Tae-ho, Choi Hye-young, and Basic Income Party member Yong Hye-in.