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Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics between them hold three patents for eavesdropping technology, Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) files reveal. Material released by KIPO to Grand National Party lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon shows that Samsung registered patent No. 318965 in January 2002 for a system "for surveillance and intercepting communications of subscribers in the switchboard system." The office said the technology linking intercept systems with mobile communication switchboards made it possible to listen in to cell phone conversations. Kim said it was essentially a cell phone bugging patent.
LG Electronics filed two patents in January 2002 and June 2004 for eavesdropping technology. KIPO said KT and LG are currently applying for more patents for technology to intercept mobile phone calls.
The revelation appears to contradict a remark by Information and Communication Minister Chin Dae-je, who on Tuesday said the only bodies capable of developing key parts for eavesdropping on phone conversations or make the kind of financial and specialized manpower investment necessary were government bodies in charge of national security.
Meanwhile, the ministry granted a total of 42 permits for the manufacture of eavesdropping equipment since the start of the Roh Moo-hyun administration, including 12 in the first half of this year. The figures come from a ministry report to GNP lawmaker Chin Young. It says 12 permits were granted in 2003, 18 in 2004 and 12 by June 2005.
As of the end of 2004, national agencies had a total of 755 pieces of communication intercept equipment, not including the National Intelligence Service. The police had 401, prosecutors 317, the Defense Ministry and Korea Customs Service 17 each and the Coast Guard three.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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