"Please Take a Photo of Your Face"... Facial Recognition Now Required for Mobile Phone Activation Starting Today

Additional Facial Recognition Steps Now Required for Online Self-Activation
"Applies to Both In-Person and Online Channels"

"To better protect your valuable information, an additional 'ID/facial recognition' verification step has been introduced. Please scan the QR code to verify your identity."

On the morning of July 6, when attempting to purchase a smartphone via number portability on the official LG Uplus online store, this notice appeared. After selecting the desired smartphone, subscription terms, rate plan, and discount program, a facial recognition authentication step was prompted during the identity verification process.

Facial recognition was also required for subscriptions completed via the online store, which is a non-face-to-face channel. After clicking the "Proceed with Identity Verification" button on a PC, a QR code appeared. Scanning this code with a smartphone camera connected the user to PASS, the identity verification app used by the three major mobile carriers. The next steps, conducted within the PASS app, included photographing an ID and performing facial recognition. The facial recognition process using the PASS app is now identically applied to non-face-to-face (online) subscription procedures at all three major mobile carriers.

When signing up for a mobile phone on the LG Uplus official online mall, a prompt appears indicating that facial recognition verification is required. Screenshot from LG Uplus Online Mall

Facial authentication process conducted through the identity verification service "PASS" by the three major mobile carriers. Screenshot from the PASS app.

As of this day, MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), as well as agency stores, sales outlets, and online sales channels of the three major mobile carriers, have all added facial recognition authentication procedures for mobile phone activations. Previously, subscribers could authenticate themselves using only their ID cards, which led to issues such as identity theft. The government has introduced this facial recognition step to prevent crimes that exploit voice phishing and burner phones. Those who refuse facial recognition, or who are unable to complete it due to disabilities or other challenges, must verify their identity using alternative methods such as mobile ID or a digital copy of their resident registration.

Depending on environmental factors at the site or recognition rates, facial recognition may not always proceed smoothly, and the more complex activation process could lead to consumer complaints. As a result, agency stores and sales outlets of the three major mobile carriers remained on high alert on the first day of the new system. According to government policy, even if facial recognition fails, activation will proceed as long as the user's identity can be verified using other methods and the process is recorded.

Meanwhile, the government plans to expand the currently limited alternative authentication methods, which are restricted to mobile IDs and digital resident registration copies. In August, additional alternative authentication options are under consideration, and in September, the system will be updated to automatically verify the authenticity of digital resident registration copies during the identity verification process. In October, the Telecommunications Business Act Enforcement Decree will be amended to provide a legal basis for facial recognition authentication.

The government is implementing measures to prevent fraudulent use of mobile phones, including the gradual introduction of facial recognition verification during mobile phone activation to combat voice phishing and ghost phone crimes. On the 30th of last month, a company representative demonstrated facial recognition verification during mobile phone activation at a telecommunications agency in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.