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The South Korean military is considering a ban on iPhones in military buildings because of concerns about possible security breaches. According to sources within the military, the decision is said to be prompted by fears that sensitive information could be intercepted via the devices.

An internal document obtained by The Korea Herald accessed reveals that the Army, Navy and Air Force will ban devices that can record voice in military buildings as of June 1, 2024. IPhones are specifically mentioned in the document because Apple does not allow third-party apps to block certain features, such as the microphone.

Security system

The South Korean military uses a security system that can block the camera, Wi-Fi and microphone of smartphones. However, this system does not work on iPhones, so there is a risk that sensitive conversations could be recorded. "It is impossible to block any kind of voice recording on iPhones," the document said. "In addition to formal communications, such as meetings, informal communications, such as private phone calls, can also be intercepted."

In addition to iPhones, Apple Watches and other portable Apple devices would also be banned. Android smartphones, particularly those of the South Korean brand Samsung, would still be allowed, however.

Human rights violation

The decision to ban iPhones has drawn criticism from Korea's National Human Rights Commission. The commission argues that requiring military personnel to download a security app on their smartphones is a violation of their human rights. They claim that not all soldiers need to install this app and that it should only be mandatory for personnel working with sensitive information in specific locations.

The South Korean Defense Ministry is considering expanding the time when soldiers are allowed to use their smartphones, but this would only apply to Android users. IPhone users would still be allowed to use their devices for only three hours a day.

© The Content Exchange, source News