New database to screen unfit draftees sparks privacy concern

The Defense Ministry plans to establish a database on the traits of conscripts who are prone to accidents, crimes or suicide to analyze and prevent those unfit for military life from joining the armed services.

The plan was conceived after a series of soldiers, categorized as those “requiring special attention,” have committed various crimes including desertions with weapons and a shooting rampage, which have undermined troop morale and the overall readiness posture.

But critics voiced concerns that the project, which utilizes conscripts’ personal data, could potentially violate soldiers’ privacy and human rights. The project, worth 319 million won ($270,000), was initiated last September and will continue through next April.

“The idea itself that the ministry can use soldiers’ personal data at will is a problem,” said Rep. Kwon Eun-hee of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy, who revealed the project to the media on Sunday during the parliamentary audit of the government.

“It is doubtful whether the database, should it be established, would be helpful to single out maladjusted troops.”

The lawmaker also pointed out that concerns about the potential leak of personal data and violation of human rights had been raised by the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs, and even the human rights division within the Defense Ministry.

“Without soldiers’ consent about the use of their personal data, the collection of the data and analyses on the specific information of the soldiers should be restricted,” the MGAHA was quoted by Rep. Kwon as saying.

Some officials within the Defense Ministry raised the possibility that the project could trigger opposition from draftees and their parents.

In response, the Defense Ministry said that it would first analyze the legal matters involving the project and seek to address them, with an aim to establish a comprehensive database that would allow the military to more proactively prevent accidents and suicides.

To build the database, the ministry plans to use soldiers’ personal data, the results of their aptitude tests and information from the ministry’s counseling and investigation authorities, the ministry explained in a statement.

“The project is needed to better deal with the soldiers that we fear could get into accidents, and better evaluate the stable management of the troops for each unit,” the ministry said.

The use of big data analyses to better manage the troops was pushed for as the ministry has been pushing to capitalize on innovative technologies such as information and communications technology and the Internet of Things, or Internet-connected products, under the “Creative Defense” vision.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)