The Armed Forces of South Korea are set to implement a ban on the use of iPhones in military institutions due to concerns regarding the potential leakage of confidential information through voice recordings. The decision, reported by military sources who chose to remain anonymous, comes as part of efforts to enhance security measures within the military.
The Air Force leadership announced the ban on April 11, citing the need to restrict devices capable of recording sounds without allowing third-party control over their functions. Apple devices, including the iPhone, will be prohibited under this ban, while smartphones based on Android, particularly those from Samsung Electronics, will not face restrictions.
There are discussions within the military about expanding the ban to include all units following initial testing in April. Should this ban be extended, it would impact close to 500,000 military personnel and would additionally involve a prohibition on smart watches and wearable devices.
The decision against Apple devices stems from the fact that they do not meet the security requirements set by the military, as they lack the flexibility for external applications to control key functions, except for the camera. This limitation is consistent with Apple’s privacy protection policy.
The ban is believed to have been triggered by challenges in adapting iOS devices to the National Defense Mobile Security application, compulsory for military personnel’s smartphones since 2013. This app restricts camera, Wi-Fi, modem, USB, and microphone functions when activated, with Android devices offering easier adjustments due to their open system architecture.
Furthermore, the application has faced criticism for its unreliability and vulnerabilities, receiving condemnation from the National Commission on Human Rights of Korea for perceived human rights violations. The recent introduction of call recording functionality for iPhones by South Korean mobile operator SK Telecom through the A-Dot application in September 2023 has raised concerns about potential privacy breaches.
The Air Force’s decision may exacerbate the divide between Android and iPhone users, particularly as the Korea Ministry of National Defense mulls over extending the timeframe for soldiers’ smartphone usage. The move underscores the military’s commitment to enhancing security protocols and safeguarding sensitive information from potential breaches.