As Internet of Things (IoT) and digital markets are growing fast in South Korea, the provincial government sees business potential in what is locally referred to as ‘Digital Aging’. (image: Pixabay)
CHUNCHEON, July 25 (Korea Bizwire) – Gangwon’s provincial government is turning the ‘right to be forgotten’ into business opportunities across its 18 cities and counties starting August.
The right to be forgotten refers to the removal of any personal information posted online after a certain period of time. Netizens can now set the time when their online posts and files will be deleted from websites for privacy protection.
As Internet of Things (IoT) and digital markets are growing fast in South Korea, the provincial government sees business potential in what is locally referred to as ‘Digital Aging’.
Starting with a Digital Aging System (DAS) on the government homepage (www.provin.gangwon.kr) that was launched in January, Gangwon Province plans to expand the service throughout major cities including Chuncheon and Gangneung’s local Internet websites.
By collaborating with Hallym University, a private institution located in Chuncheon, the Digital Aging Laboratory (DAL) will initiate a five-year digital data extinction project. The project was recently selected by the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning as a joint industry-university venture.
DAL will receive 2.5 billion won ($2.2 million) in government funds over the next five years to develop a mobile operating system for digital aging. A free mobile application for a camera with a digital data removal function will be distributed in November.
The provincial government expects to see more than 300 billion won in revenue and more than 1,000 employment opportunities created when the five-year project is initiated.
In October 2015, the provincial government secured operating funds by establishing DAL with Marker Group, which has 13 original patents, and receiving 10 percent of shares as a contribution donation.
Shortly afterward, Gangwon Province also enacted the first ever ordinance to support a digital data extinction project.
The ordinance is related to introducing a system that secures citizens’ right to privacy and provides support funds.
“The government has selected securing our citizens’ privacy as a top priority, and will work to advance digital aging into a core technology of the ICT industry,” said a Gangwon government official.
By Nonnie Kim (nkim@koreabizwire.com)
