Law Strengthening Punishments for Social Service Workers Leaking Personal Information in the 'N번방 Incident' Passed

Representative Proposal by Tae Young-ho, Member of the People Power Party

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Tae Young-ho, a member of the People Power Party, announced on the 1st that the partial amendment to the Military Service Act, which he proposed as the main sponsor in relation to the ‘Nth Room case,’ has passed the plenary session of the National Assembly.

In a press release on the same day, Representative Tae explained that the alternative bill passed by the plenary session reflects the contents of his bill, stipulating that if a social service agent searches or views another person's information without proper authority or engages in misconduct during working hours, they will receive a warning and have their service extended by 5 days.

He also added that if a social service agent receives two or more warnings for searching or viewing another person's information without proper authority, they will be subject to imprisonment for up to one year. Furthermore, if they leak or use another person's information obtained during service without permission, they will face imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won.

In July, Representative Tae proposed an amendment to the Military Service Act to strengthen penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years for leaking personal information obtained during service or using such information to inflict physical, emotional, or sexual violence or harsh treatment on others.

The Nth Room case revealed that a social service agent aided the crime by leaking personal information using a district office official’s ID. However, under the current law, such a social service agent only receives a mild disciplinary action of a warning and an extension of service for misconduct during duty. In response, Representative Tae reflected public opinion that social service agents who leak personal information obtained or use it to commit crimes should be strictly punished.

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