New requirements for activating mobile gadgets in South Korea
Starting from December 23, 2025, new requirements for activating mobile gadgets will be introduced in South Korea, which will include a mandatory facial recognition procedure for new subscribers. From now on, smartphone users will be required to undergo facial recognition during the initial setup of their devices.
Activation process
To activate smartphones, it will be necessary to use the PASS authentication application. The sequence of actions includes:
- downloading the app;
- taking a real-time photo of the face.
The system will verify biometric data against government registries, providing an additional layer of security.
The new rules have already been implemented by the largest telecommunications operators in South Korea, including SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus. By March 23, 2026, all participants in the telecommunications market must connect to the new system. It is worth noting that biometric data is used solely for one-time verification during activation, aiming to ensure the privacy of user information.
The introduction of new requirements for activating mobile gadgets in South Korea indicates an increasing focus on the security of personal data in the digital environment. The implementation of biometric technologies, such as facial recognition, may be an important step in the fight against fraud and identification crimes. These changes are expected to have a significant impact on the telecommunications sector and the consumer market, preventing unauthorized access to consumers' personal data.