The National Human Rights Commission of Korea hosted a panel discussion where the result of a survey on collection and usage of bio information was presented.
The NHRCK carried out the 2016 survey on collection and usage of biological information in order to identify present condition as bio-information is increasingly used in diverse fields of the Korean society.
Bio-information refers to information related to physical or behavioral characteristics that can be used to identify a person including one’s fingerprint, face, iris, vein, voice and signature. Bio-information, in a broader sense, includes genetic and health information of a person. Bio information has been used in diverse fields including prevention and investigation of crimes, management of immigration, management of security and access to facilities. These days, the scope of usage of bio information is increasing including financial transaction, electronic payment and healthcare management on mobile devices.
As bio-information is unique and unalterable, it can be used to identify a personal and to provide customized service. However, at the same time, it could infringe upon the right and interest of a person when it is leaked or abused for profit.
At the survey conducted with general public, 55% of the respondent worried about the possibility of abuse and misuse of bio information by institutions that collect such information and more than 69% of the respondent said that they are concerned about the possible leakage of health-related information collected through mobile devices. In addition, a whopping 86% said that bio information should be more strictly managed and protected than other types of personal information.
The NHRCK will analyze current status and tasks related to collection and usage of bio-information and receive opinion from related experts to devise measures to better protect bio information of people.
