"Strengthening Crackdown on IP Camera Distribution... Mandatory Use of Security-Certified Products in Multi-Use Facilities"

Ministry of Science and ICT Announces Security Measures for IP Cameras
Removal of Unauthorized IP Cameras Installed in Public Institutions

Security management of IP (Internet Protocol) cameras, which often leak sensitive personal information videos through hacking, will be strengthened. Businesses that fail to prevent leakage accidents by installing IP cameras without following security guidelines will be fined up to 3% of their sales revenue.

Yonhap News

The Ministry of Science and ICT, the Personal Information Protection Commission, the Korea Communications Commission, and the National Police Agency announced IP camera security measures containing these details on the 14th. IP cameras, which can send videos to other devices connected via wired or wireless internet, are frequently used as safety management tools in homes, businesses, medical institutions, and public facilities.

According to the IP camera security enhancement measures, starting from the second half of next year, domestically manufactured or officially imported products must be equipped with a function that encourages setting a high-security-level password during design.

When packaging the product, an instruction leaflet about password setting must be included, and applications used by IP camera users must post notices guiding safe password settings, periodic password changes, turning off power when not in use, and firmware upgrades.

Distribution of IP cameras without domestic radio certification (KC certification) will be strictly controlled, and uncertified IP cameras installed in public institutions will be removed.

Furthermore, the government plans to require the use of security-certified products in private places with many users or important facilities, such as hospitals and shopping malls, similar to the public sector where only security-certified IP cameras are allowed.

While creating the tentative "Act on the Installation and Operation of Video Information Processing Devices," which regulates the installation and operation of video information processing devices in public and private sectors, the law will include mandatory use of security-certified IP cameras in multi-use facilities.

Not only large-scale businesses but also small-scale businesses with physical exposure, such as Pilates or yoga studios and swimming pools, will basically be included. The criteria for whether facilities with a certain number of people are considered large-scale businesses will be determined through a public opinion collection process and established by law.

Meanwhile, sites that illegally expose videos containing personal information will be blocked through the Korea Communications Standards Commission's review, and users will be notified via telecommunications companies about the IPs from which the leaked videos originated.

Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT emphasized, "IP cameras are widely used in many aspects of our daily lives, so it is important to create an environment where they can be used safely."

Chairman Ko Hak-su of the Personal Information Protection Commission said, "Concerns about personal information infringement are increasing due to the growing use of IT products with personal information collection functions, such as IP cameras and wall pads," and added, "We will actively improve to ensure IP cameras can be used with confidence."

The Ministry of Science and ICT also announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with five major construction companies to apply international standards for Internet of Things (IoT) security certification to ensure the safety of apartment wall pads.

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