Korea has launched a trial run of a new identification system that seeks to offer Koreans residing overseas access to online services that currently require verification using a Korean mobile phone number.
Our Shin Ha-young has details.
In South Korea, accessing online services -such as printing certain documents or accessing online banking -often requires verifying your identity, which involves entering a verification code sent via text message.
This code confirms your identity based on the name and personal information that’s registered with your domestic telecom provider.
But sometimes, it’s not that easy.
“People living abroad have had trouble with the identity verification process when using South Korean online services because they don’t have a South Korean mobile number.”
To address this issue, in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on the Digital Platform Government and the Overseas Koreans Agency, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on Wednesday launched what’s called the “Mobile Overseas Korean Identity Verification Card” service.
“The government will build a digital platform to make it easier for everyone to use administrative services. We will work to ensure that the advancements in digital technology are not a barrier for anyone.”
Overseas Koreans have welcomed the new service as it now gives them to access domestic online administrative services.
However, with concerns over limited service availability, the government has pledged to expand the usage.
“After setting up a stable system and amending related laws, we’ll make the mobile ID cards available for domestic mobile banking services. We’ll also enable its use for identity verification instead of using passports at diplomatic offices.”
Having to visit diplomatic offices for the initial issuance of the mobile ID cards was seen as an inconvenience.
“In the United States, not all states have those offices, so residents may need to travel to another state, which can be inconvenient.”
“Right, so we’re looking into ways to streamline this process. We’re also working on enabling overseas residents to obtain online certificates to give them access to South Korean online services using their e-passports.”
Starting Wednesday, the service is being piloted at seven locations, including the Korean embassies in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the consulate general in Los Angeles.
The service will be available at all diplomatic offices abroad by the end of this year.
Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
Source : Arirang TV, https://www.arirang.com/news/view?id=272906
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