(image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Jun. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — The local city government of Busan announced today that it was initiating a so-called “Knock Knock Service”, which will analyze cell phone records to check in on local city residents.
The service follows recent government efforts to prevent solitary deaths, which have been on the rise. The number of lonely deaths in April of this year totaled 50 in Busan, with men accounting for 43 of the deaths.
The city of Busan has recently developed a telecommunications-based monitoring system that analyzes big data to check up on registered users of the service.
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If the user does not answer a call from the system or turns off his or her phone, the system sets off an alarm that automatically transmits a text message or email to civil servants overlooking the user’s jurisdiction.
Upon being informed by the system, the civil servant then will attempt to call the user via cell phone or make a personal visit to the user’s home to call on the individual.
The service does not require a separate installation fee and its monthly service fee is said to be inexpensive. The service is even available on a 2G mobile device.
Interested parties who subscribe to SKT’s phone plans can apply online via the city’s homepage (www.busan.go.kr) or visit their neighborhood community service center.
Applications will be accepted from June 27 to September 28. Applicants must be over 65 years of age and be recipients of basic livelihood security.
H. S. Seo (hsseo@koreabizwire.com)
