"Privacy Surveillance" vs "Necessary for Prevention" Controversy Over 'QR Code' Electronic Entry Log Introduction

Government Announces Introduction of Electronic Entry Log to Prevent False Entries
Temporary Operation During Serious and Alert Stages of Infectious Disease Crisis
Concerns Raised Over Privacy Invasion
Experts Say "Lack of Sufficient Discussion Causes Privacy and Other Issues"

On the afternoon of the 13th, a notice for patients and cohabiting family members who visited Itaewon clubs was posted at the entrance of Gangbuk Samsung Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As the group infection originating from Itaewon clubs in Seoul has spread to the sixth wave of infection, the government is introducing an 'electronic entry log' using QR codes (grid-patterned codes containing information) to prevent false information from being submitted by visitors to entertainment facilities such as clubs and pubs.

However, this has sparked controversy, with some criticizing it as surveillance of private life, while others argue it is essential for epidemiological investigations.

Experts have pointed out issues such as privacy invasion due to insufficient discussion.

Park Neunghoo, the first head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, explained the background of introducing the electronic entry log at a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office on the 24th: "During the investigation of Itaewon clubs, many users submitted false information on the visitor logs, causing significant difficulties in conducting epidemiological investigations. As a result, follow-up measures to quickly identify and isolate contacts were delayed, leading to further transmission."

Accordingly, when visiting entertainment facilities such as clubs, hunting pubs, and karaoke rooms, users must obtain a personal encrypted one-time QR code in advance and present it to facility staff.

The electronic entry log works by users downloading a one-time QR code from platforms like Naver and presenting it; personal information such as name and phone number is sent to the QR code issuing company, while facility information and visit records are sent to the public institution, the Social Security Information Service. By dividing the management of core information between two agencies, the risk of personal information infringement is reduced.

In particular, under the Personal Information Protection Act, users must consent to the collection and use of personal information when generating the QR code and installing related apps to allow the collection of entry information.

Furthermore, this information is stored in encrypted form for four weeks before being destroyed, and the encryption is only decrypted to verify visitors if an infected person is identified at the facility. This method has the advantage of not revealing individual identities.

Additionally, entertainment pubs and colatecs (Korean dance clubs) subject to gathering restrictions are required to maintain electronic entry logs, which are operated temporarily only during severe or cautionary infectious disease crisis alert levels.

The government plans to conduct a pilot operation early next month and begin full operation from mid-month.

Citizens have welcomed this policy, saying, "It's a great decision as club-related infections are spreading," and "It's a good idea for infection prevention."

On the 15th, a Seongdong-gu Office employee demonstrated the 'Mobile Electronic Visitor Log' using mobile phone authentication at D Coin Karaoke located in Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Provided by Seongdong-gu Office / Photo by Yonhap News

A 26-year-old office worker A, who supports the government's introduction of the electronic entry log, responded positively, saying, "If this is applied not only to entertainment facilities but all facilities, it would be effective in preventing COVID-19."

However, some have raised concerns about privacy invasion. A 23-year-old job seeker B said, "There should be public consent for such policies. It should proceed after gathering public opinion; this is not right," and claimed, "I think it is a violation of personal rights."

A 30-something office worker C said, "I think infections in daily life such as cafes, restaurants, and taxis are more common than in such facilities. I suspect this is about monitoring citizens under the pretext of COVID-19," and pointed out, "Although it is temporary, safety measures to minimize privacy invasion are necessary."

In response, the government stated that it would immediately manage any arising issues. Park said, "With the introduction of the electronic entry log, exposure of users' personal information is expected to be minimized."

He added, "When the infectious disease reaches a severe or cautionary stage, upon the request of the Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the two agencies separately store encrypted personal information and facility entry records, which can be combined to identify who visited. This system can protect personal information better than the current handwritten logs."

Experts have questioned the efficiency of the QR code entry log. Professor Kim Woojoo of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital said, "While it is a decision that leverages the strength of being an IT powerhouse, it is concerning as it was introduced without sufficient discussion," and pointed out, "Although it may reduce the use of entertainment facilities from the perspective of infection prevention, it seems to worsen personal privacy invasion."

He continued, "In fact, contact tracing has involved significant privacy invasions such as credit card and telecom company inquiries. Although the government’s policy is to access information only when necessary, its efficiency is questionable," and explained, "Since cases with unknown causes are still occurring, collecting data preemptively is inefficient. Even if the decision to introduce it is made, it should have undergone discussions involving legal scholars, public health experts, and human rights committees."

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