General Probe into Illegal Software Use by Government Departments

The Ministry of Information and Communication will investigate the illegal reproduction and use of computer software in the government administrations, with the support of the prosecution.
The ministry announced on August 15 that it will inspect 1,110 governmental administration departments,including 16 provincial governments, from August 16 until October.
This scale of investigation into illegal software use by government departments is unprecedented, although the prosecution probed government-related organizations in May.
The ministry said, 'We will concentrate on the illegal use of wordprocessors and telecommunications emulators without purchase. From the year 2000, we will expand the inspection to all kinds of software.'
Administrations found to be committing crimes will be reported to the Office of the Prime Minister with the recommendation of punishment for the chief, announced the ministry.
However, some experts insist that the punishment for government administrations' violations will be too light, when compared to the strong punishments, including fines, which have been imposed on private corporations and public organizations after past investigations.
A source in the ministry said, 'Indictment of governmental administrations by the prosecution is legally difficult. That's why the ministry, instead of the prosecution, is leading the investigation.'
Kang Joo-an : jooan@joongang.co.kr