The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT is set to roll out new regulations mandating facial recognition for individuals registering new phone numbers, as part of a concerted effort to curb fraud and the illicit registration of mobile numbers. Under these regulations, the nation's three primary mobile carriers, along with mobile virtual network operators, will be required to incorporate this extra layer of verification. This measure aims to thwart identity thieves from acquiring and activating new phone numbers.

This latest move builds upon South Korea's extensive anti-fraud measures initiated in August, which were specifically designed to combat voice phishing scams. The new policy is slated for official implementation in March 2026, with a trial phase commencing this week.

Recent statistics reveal a concerning surge in voice phishing incidents in South Korea. As of November this year, the country has recorded 21,588 cases of voice phishing, resulting in cumulative losses of 1.13 trillion won (approximately RMB 5.395 billion). This marks the first time that losses from such scams have exceeded the 1 trillion won threshold.