Table of Contents
- Overview
- Who Must Notify?
- Notification Exemptions
- Required Documents
- Notification Procedure
- Post-Notification Obligations
- FAQ
1. Overview
Under Article 9 of the Act on the Protection and Use of Location Information, companies providing location-based services (LBS) using the real-time location of mobile devices or persons must file a business notification with the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) before launching. Operating without notification carries fines of up to KRW 30 million.
LBS Business = uses location data to provide a service (apps, platforms) → KCC notification
Location Information Business = collects and provides location data itself (GPS solutions) → KCC license
2. Who Must Notify?
- Delivery/rider apps: Real-time driver/vehicle location display
- Navigation and map services: Real-time traffic and routing
- Real estate platforms: Location-based nearby listing search
- Parking/charging apps: Nearby facility locator
- Emergency alert services: Location-based safety features
- Pet/senior tracking: Guardian location sharing
3. Notification Exemptions
- Apps that embed maps without collecting location data
- Delivery services where users manually enter an address (no real-time GPS collection)
- Government/public institution operated services
4. Required Documents
- LBS business notification form
- Corporate registry extract or business registration certificate
- Service description (data collection method, purpose, retention period)
- Personal location information protection policy
- Personal location data protection plan
5. Notification Procedure
- Draft a service overview (what location data is collected, for what purpose, how long retained)
- Establish a personal location data protection plan
- File notification via the KCC online portal
- Receive notification confirmation after document review (approx. 7–14 business days)
- Launch service
6. Post-Notification Obligations
- Obtain consent before collecting location data in each service session
- No use beyond the consented purpose
- Destroy location data after the retention period
- Encrypt and control access to location data
- Report data breaches to KCC and the Personal Information Protection Commission
FAQ
Q. Can we notify after launching the app?
A. No. Notification must be completed before service launch. Operating without prior notification is subject to fines from the date of launch until notification is accepted.
Q. Do foreign companies serving Korean users need to notify?
A. Yes. Foreign companies providing location-based services to Korean users are subject to the same notification requirement.
Q. Is there a notification fee?
A. No government fee. However, drafting the service description and protection plan often requires professional assistance.
Need Help with LBS Business Notification?
Vision Administrative Office handles documentation and KCC submission for location-based service notifications. Initial consultation is free.
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