Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Lee Jung-heon argued that “for just 2,000 won, the LED warning light on smart glasses that indicates whether recording is in progress can be neutralized,” asserting the need for countermeasures against illegal filming crimes involving smart glasses (eyewear). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon agreed, stating, “A cross-ministerial response plan is necessary.”
On Friday, at the comprehensive audit of the Science and Technology Information and Communications Commission held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Rep. Lee questioned Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon about countermeasures against smartphone-related crimes.
Prior to his questioning, Lee displayed a tablet PC connected to smart glasses and asked which of his three legislative aides was filming using which type of eyewear. Typically, smart glass manufacturers include an LED warning light on the exterior of the product so that users can verify whether recording is taking place, but attendees at the national audit, including Deputy Prime Minister Bae, were unable to distinguish this.
“Even upon close inspection, it is not easy to differentiate between smart glasses and ordinary horn-rimmed eyeglasses,” Lee said. “The reason the LED warning light was not blinking was due to an LED light-blocking sticker.” He added, “A single sheet of stickers, which contains about 40 pieces, costs only 2,000 won. Countermeasures against this are needed.”
He stated, “There have been three cases this year alone in which individuals were caught illegally filming using smart glasses. One might say that three cases is not a big deal, but it is simply that official police statistics have not yet been compiled.”
Lee noted, “Smart glasses are currently infiltrating national qualification exams, TOEIC tests, universities, and even the essay exam venues for university admissions. Our government’s response can be considered virtually nonexistent. The Ministry of Science and ICT hastily launched a policy research project competition that takes about nine months to complete, meaning there is no way to prevent illegal filming crimes until the summer of 2027,” he emphasized.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Bae said, “At this week’s State Council meeting as well, the President pointed out issues related to AI (artificial intelligence) glasses. We must formulate a response plan at the cross-ministerial level, involving agencies such as the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Education.”
He continued, “As pointed out, we need to correctly recognize the situation and promptly prepare countermeasures. We are preparing guidelines and will accelerate our efforts.”
in TECH
