The South Korean military is considering a complete ban on the use of iPhones on military installations over fears of sensitive information being leaked through voice call recordings.
iPhone Ban
Reason for Ban
Unlike Android smartphones like Samsung's Galaxy series, iPhones don't allow third-party apps to control certain features, such as the microphone. This raises military concerns about the possible leak of sensitive data through voice call recordings.
Security restrictions
Military security app limits smartphone features including camera, Wi-Fi , modem, USB and microphone. However, Apple does not allow third-party programs to control the functionality of the iPhone, with the exception of the camera, which was the reason for the planned ban.
Background
Discussions about a potential iPhone ban in the South Korean army began after How SK Telecom introduced call recording for iPhone via the A-Dot app in September 2022. Apple initially did not support this option due to privacy concerns.
Criticism of the military app
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has criticized the mandatory installation of a military security app, calling it an excessive restriction of rights. The commission recommended limiting mandatory installation to certain personnel and locations.
Glossary
- Samsung Electronics is a South Korean technology company, manufacturer of Galaxy smartphones.
- Apple is an American company, creator of the iPhone.
- SK Telecom is a leading telecommunications operator in South Korea.
- A-Dot is an SK Telecom application for recording calls on iPhone.
Links
Answers to questions
What is the reason for the possible ban on the use of iPhone in the South Korean army?
Which devices will be excluded from the ban, and why?
Which feature of the iPhone is causing military officials concern?
What are the main considerations regarding a security app used by the military?
How popular are Samsung smartphones in South Korea?
Hashtags
Save a link to this article
Discussion of the topic – South Korea bans iPhone for military: a choice in favor of security
The South Korean military is considering a complete ban on the use of iPhones on military installations over fears of sensitive information being leaked through voice recordings.
Latest comments
15 comments
Write a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are checked *
Антон
It is clear that the issue of national security takes precedence. But how to ensure the convenience and functionality of their gadgets for employees? 🤔 Maybe there is an intermediate solution?
Доминик
Wouldn't it be better to create corporate iPhones with limited functionality for the military? They would not require a complete ban, but only privacy settings. 💻
Марта
In the era of spy scandals, we need to act decisively. I support the ban - safety is more important than consumer comfort. 🔒
Иржи
Apparently, Android has more options for customization by third-party applications. But it’s also not a guarantee! Maybe it’s easier for everyone to use antediluvian folding beds at sites? 📵
Збигнев
Heh, back to the 90s, or what? Now any schoolchild can photograph the military on a mobile phone. We need modern technologies for safety, not total bans! 🤖
Григорий
Yeah, all these newfangled things bring more problems than they're worth. In my time, there was no need to record voices - and everything was so clear and simple! 😤
София
I don’t agree with such conservatism! 🙅♀️ Progress is inevitable, we need to find a compromise. Maybe advanced enterprise encryption solutions could help keep your data safe?
Педро
In the armies of dictatorial regimes, everything is definitely prohibited! 🚫 And in democracies we must seek a balance between security and freedoms. Total control is not the answer.
Антон
Maybe the problem of reconfiguring the functions of devices for the military can be solved by reaching an agreement with the manufacturers directly? Apple probably has the appropriate protocols. 💻
Франческа
Well, yes, all these tech giants seem to have to meet states halfway on security issues. 🕵️♀️ Otherwise, reputational risks are growing.
Григорий
Oh, young people, how long will you have to wait until you understand that no technology can replace the good old order of service! Secrets are protected not by gadgets, but by discipline. 👴
Збигнев
Discipline is, of course, important. But times are changing, technology can no longer be avoided. Wouldn't the best solution be moderate innovation under the supervision of military experts? 🤖
Хелена
In my opinion, the Koreans are right - safety is more important than anything else. 🔐 Even well-known companies cannot be completely trusted in this matter. It is better to protect privacy with strict controls and sanctions.
Доминик
That’s what I’m talking about - it’s certainly possible to create special army iPhones with Apple-authorized access to security settings. A compromise solution instead of a total ban.
Марта
But we should not forget that data leakage is not only a technical problem, but also a human one. The most advanced technologies will not help if people themselves are not responsible. 🙅♀️