The Report on Human Rights Situation in the Republic of Korea The facial recognition can process a massive quantity of data very quickly, incomparable to surveillance or monitoring by the naked eyes, and can confirm the identity of the subject quickly. Therefore, it can be used in crime investigations, etc. However, the facial recognition system collects and processes biometric information, and has the problem of processing ‘sensitive information.’ Moreover, it could lead to the mass surveillance of unspecified numbers. As such, it is highly possible to violate human rights, in nature, and must be careful in its introduction.54) Under the leadership of the government and local governments, several facial recognition systems have been established in 2021. MOJ and MSIT are implementing “AI identification tracking system project” to be completed by 2022. MOJ transfers the information, such as facial image, nationality, gender, age, etc. of Koreans and foreigners collected during the immigration review process to MSIT, and MIST transfers this sensitive information to private companies to research AI identification technology. This project’s purpose is to develop the immigration inspection, beyond a simple scanning of passports. The data of 57.6 mil. Koreans and 120 mil. foreigners are provided to a private company by the MOJ for this project. In Nov. 2021, the civic organizations point out that the development and use of facial recognition technology must be controlled legally, and urged to stop the “AI Identification Tracking System Project” implemented by the MOJ and MSIT.55) Moreover, this project by the MOJ and MSIT was submitted to the Board of Audit and Inspection for a public interest audit in Jan. 2022. MOJ and MSIT stated that there is a legal basis for collecting and using the information of Koreans and foreigners (biometrics), such as facial image, etc., for 54) Aju Business Daily, “BigTech Careful with Facial Recognition .. Multiple Hurdles from Privacy to AI Ethics”, Dec. 20, 2021. 55) Public Interest Law Center Appeal, Minbyun, Lawyers for a Democratic Society Digital Information Committee, Institute for Digital Rights, Joint Committee with Migrants in Korea, Korean Progressive Network, PSPD Press Release, Nov. 9, 2021. 62