"Write down even your resident registration number?" Controversy over privacy concerns with 'Entry Log Introduction'

Pilot Introduction of 'Electronic Entry Logs' in Seoul, Incheon, and Daejeon Areas from the 1st
Plan to Expand Nationwide from the 10th

A pub located in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the 9th of last month. Visitors are filling out the guest list. Photo by Yeonju Kim, intern reporter yeonju1853@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han and intern Yeonju Kim] #Recently, office worker Lee Mo (27) who visited a restaurant in Gangnam was asked by a staff member to fill out an entry log. The log included fields for name, contact number, and resident registration number, and the visitors' information was densely recorded. Seeing this, Lee said, "Seeing that my name, phone number, and especially my resident registration number were written down, I thought someone could misuse my information," adding, "It's unclear who manages this, and I don't know how it is stored, so I feel uneasy."

Starting today (the 1st), 'electronic entry logs' are being piloted in clubs, PC rooms, bars, and other venues in Seoul, Daejeon, and Incheon, raising concerns about privacy invasion and personal information leaks.

The government had required some businesses to keep 'manual entry logs' as part of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, due to the high number of false entries in manual logs, the electronic entry log system was introduced. Previously, health authorities and Seoul city obtained a list of 5,517 visitors to clubs in Itaewon, but faced difficulties because many had provided false contact information.

The electronic entry log system authenticates visitors when they visit a business by scanning an NFC tag or QR code. After scanning or tagging, a screen appears on the smartphone for entering the visitor's name and mobile phone number, and after authentication, it verifies fever status, respiratory symptoms, overseas travel history, and presence of symptoms.

Pilot Guide for Electronic Entry Log. Photo by Yonhap News

However, distrust regarding personal information storage felt by businesses that have been using manual entry logs is expected to continue with electronic entry logs, as more detailed information must be entered for COVID-19 symptom diagnosis.

Office worker A (28) said, "I understand the intention to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but I don't know if this method is really necessary," adding, "In a way, isn't this an invasion of my privacy?"

He continued, "Wherever I go, the government will know everything, which doesn't feel good. Also, I'm doubtful about the effectiveness of this system. For example, what happens to people without a mobile phone? And I don't know if implementing electronic entry logs will actually reduce the spread of COVID-19," expressing dissatisfaction.

Office worker B (27) said, "I'm uneasy about my information being stored for four weeks. Also, since it's not clear whether the data is destroyed after a certain period, I feel uncomfortable," explaining, "Although it's said to be used for public purposes, if the government doesn't manage it thoroughly, we can't help but worry."

On the other hand, some argue that electronic entry logs are necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

University student C (25) said, "It can be seen as an invasion of personal information and privacy, but given the global disaster situation, I think it's unavoidable," adding, "Honestly, isn't publicly disclosing confirmed patients' movement paths also a privacy invasion in principle? But I think it's an implicit agreement for public health in the current situation."

He continued, "Even though social distancing has shifted to everyday quarantine, the situation is still dangerous. Visiting high-risk facilities without doing such measures seems selfish," he pointed out.

Office worker D (27) emphasized, "The places where the government introduced the logs are high-risk for COVID-19 infection. If you don't want your personal information exposed, then don't go."

Disinfection of streets around Itaewon. Photo by Yonhap News

In this regard, the COVID-19 Socioeconomic Crisis Response Civil Society Countermeasures Committee (Countermeasures Committee) held a press conference on the 28th of last month, urging the withdrawal of the electronic entry log introduction plan.

The committee pointed out, "The state can track individuals at any time, and citizens are placed under state surveillance," expressing concern that "under the guise of quarantine, the government might be trying to build a perfect surveillance and control system."

Earlier, the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy also stated, "Forcing people entering certain facilities to provide their personal information is no different from implementing a 'real-name entry system' for facilities," emphasizing, "Basic rights violations cannot be justified simply because it is for risk prevention or convenience. The government must stop introducing the electronic entry log system."

They also expressed concern that "once the electronic entry log system is introduced, it is highly likely to be implemented without restrictions in public institutions and multi-use facilities."

Meanwhile, health authorities plan to make electronic entry logs mandatory from the 10th nationwide for high-risk facilities and those facilities subject to additional administrative measures by local governments, reflecting the results of the pilot operation.

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