Ministry concedes cell phones can be tapped in some cases

Despite earlier assertions that eavesdropping on mobile phone conversations was technically impossible, the Ministry of Information and Communication acknowledged yesterday it could be done and moved to protect consumers by cracking down on handset duplications. The action came after two opposition Grand National Party members accused the ministry and National Intelligence Service last week of developing anti-tapping technology since 1995. The ministry once insisted no technology existed to eavesdrop on certain classes of mobile phone conversations. However, according to the opposition members, tapping of mobile phones was possible if using duplicate handsets, even though they were limited to a narrow range. Yesterday, the ministry said it would force handset makers, mobile service providers and customer service centers to log records if they accidentally saw the electronic serial numbers, or ESNs, of their subscribers’ phones. According to the proposed bill, such providers would be required to write down how they came to know the numbers, where and when. ESNs, if known, can be used to duplicate handsets. To prevent leakage of customer information and wiretapping, the ministry said it would also order the three local mobile carriers, SK Telecom, KTF, and LG Telecom, to appoint executive-level information security officers. The ministry will also step up controls over the duplication of handsets, deploying 100 workers under the ministry to investigate electronics stores at the Yongsan Market in Seoul. The ministry said it will force 4,000 mobile phone outlets and 140 customer service centers to post a warning on their front doors that people who copy handsets will be subject to prosecution. According to current legislation, those who illegally duplicate handsets face fines of up to 20 million won ($17,000) or three years in jail. by Choi Hyung-kyu