It has been reported that a total of 100 customers have filed for collective dispute mediation in connection with the SK Telecom (SKT) USIM information leak incident.
The Personal Information Protection Commission stated on the 27th, "On the 14th, we received a collective dispute mediation application from a total of 100 individuals," adding, "We are proceeding with the process as normal, including reviewing the overall direction for handling the case, and we will ensure that it is concluded within the 60-day mediation period stipulated by law."
On the 28th, customers visiting an official SK Telecom certified agency in Mapo-gu, Seoul, are waiting to replace their SIM cards and receiving numbered tickets from staff. SK Telecom plans to offer free SIM card replacement services to subscribers starting today. April 28, 2025. Photo by Kang Jinhyung
The personal information dispute system is a mediation procedure that serves as an alternative to litigation, which can be time-consuming and costly, when disputes related to personal information arise. The Personal Information Dispute Mediation Committee, a deliberative body, is responsible for this process. After receiving an application for collective dispute mediation, the committee must announce the commencement of the procedure and complete the mediation within 60 days from the day after the announcement period ends.
In response to the collective dispute mediation application, the Personal Information Protection Commission decided to proceed with future steps through a plenary session of the Dispute Mediation Committee. The committee first reviewed the application documents and requested supplementation from the applicants. If the supplementation is completed, the procedure will begin through a plenary session of the Dispute Mediation Committee in the middle of next month.
If all parties accept the mediation proposal prepared by the Dispute Mediation Committee, it becomes effective for all participating applicants. However, if some parties do not accept the proposal, the mediation does not take effect.
However, the actual mediation process is temporarily suspended during the investigation period conducted by the Personal Information Protection Commission. Mediation will resume immediately after the Commission's disposition is finalized, at which point the Dispute Mediation Committee will prepare the mediation proposal.
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