Choi Young-ae, Human Rights Commissioner, "Concerns Over Personal Data Misuse in the Data 3 Act"

Choi Young-ae, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission recently expressed concerns about the right to personal information protection in relation to the 'Data 3 Act' passed by the National Assembly.

On the 15th, Chairperson Choi Young-ae issued a statement saying, "I express concern that the legal amendments were made without sufficient discussion on human rights protection." The amendments to the Personal Information Protection Act and other Data 3 Acts were created to promote the development and utilization of big data and AI (artificial intelligence). They include provisions allowing the use of personal information processed into 'pseudonymized information' that is difficult to identify without the individual's consent.

Chairperson Choi focused on the potential misuse and abuse of personal information due to this law and expressed concern. She stated, "In Korea, the resident registration number system, which is a personal identification number for all citizens, exists, so there is a possibility of re-identification during the process of combining and utilizing pseudonymized personal information." In July last year, the Human Rights Commission expressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly the opinion that "it is necessary to more specifically and clearly define the scope of use of pseudonymized personal information to ensure the fundamental rights of data subjects, such as the right to self-determination of personal information." In November of the same year, through a statement by the Chairperson, they again urged the National Assembly to carefully discuss the matter with the same intent.

Chairperson Choi emphasized, "While fostering new technologies such as big data and AI based on data utilization is necessary, the importance of rights to personal information as a fundamental human right must not be overlooked." Going forward, the Human Rights Commission plans to monitor the amendment process of subordinate laws such as enforcement decrees and enforcement rules of the Data 3 Act and submit opinions.

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