74 'Random Chat Apps' Violating Youth Protection Act Detected... Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Demands Correction
by Lee Hyeonjoo
Published 31 Dec.2020 06:00(KST)
Random Chat Apps Must Implement Technical Measures Like Real-Name Verification
If Not, Designated as Harmful Media for Youth
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] On the 31st, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced that it had identified 74 "random chat apps" violating the Youth Protection Act and requested corrective measures.
The Ministry conducted an investigation from the 11th to the 18th targeting domestic operators' chat apps following the designation and announcement of random chat apps as harmful media for youth. Random chat apps are designated as harmful media for youth if they lack technical measures for safe conversations, such as member management through real-name or mobile phone verification, chat storage, and reporting functions. They must also implement a separate adult verification process and display a "19+ Prohibited" label.
As a result of the inspection, the number of random chat apps operated by domestic providers decreased to 332. At the time of the November inspection, there were 408 apps, but 76 were discontinued. Additionally, 55 apps were found to be inactive. The Ministry explained, "It appears that chat apps inducing inappropriate meetings such as prostitution have decreased following the enforcement of the announcement."
Among the 277 apps currently in operation, 89 apps (32.1%) were identified as harmful media for youth. Fifteen apps complied with the obligations under the Youth Protection Act, while the remaining 74 apps were found to be in violation.
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has requested the 74 random chat app operators violating the Youth Protection Act to make corrections by January 7 of next year. If violations persist after the second inspection and correction request, the Ministry plans to file criminal charges against the random chat apps with judicial authorities and request market operators to suspend product sales. Inspections of random chat apps operated by overseas providers are also scheduled to be completed by January.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.