SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry began to implement a new policy Monday banning employees from using Internet-enabled smartphones capable of taking photos within its building to prevent the leaking of confidential information with the high-end devices.
Under the stricter security policy, smartphone users are required to install a special application on the device that paralyzes its camera and voice recording functions, in order to pass through security check points and enter the Seoul building
Developed by the ministry's security team, the application only allows for the use of basic functions on Android phones such as receiving and sending calls and text messages. Users of iPhones, operating on Apple's iOS software, can only receive calls and text messages.
"The ministry has established the new system to block some core functions of smartphones as confidential information could be leaked through the phones," ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said.
Civilian visitors and those who have not installed the application on their smartphones should leave their phones with military police before entering the ministry building, a notice at the main gate showed.
There are about 1,500 military officers and civilian employees working at the ministry who use smartphones, and about 20 percent of them have so far refused to install the security application, according to the ministry.
Some employees expressed concern that the application could invade their privacy, while the ministry says the new system is only designed to block "smart functions" inside the building.
"Even if I bring my iPhone 4 that passed the security review, I can only receive calls and text messages. What can I do with the dumb phone?" an Air Force lieutenant colonel said, asking for anonymity. "I'll have to buy another phone to be able to communicate with others inside the building."
The ministry said it will first test-run the security system inside the Seoul office and decide later whether to extend the new policy to all troops.
